A dishonoured cheque is one of the most common money disputes in India. Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 makes it a criminal offence, but only if strict timelines are followed.

When is a bounced cheque an offence?

The cheque must have been issued to repay a legally enforceable debt or liability, presented within its validity period (three months from its date), and returned unpaid — for example for "insufficient funds" or "exceeds arrangement".

Step 1: Send a legal notice within 30 days

Once you receive the bank's return memo, you have 30 days to send a written demand notice to the drawer asking for payment.

Step 2: Wait 15 days for payment

The drawer has 15 days from receiving the notice to pay. If they pay, the matter ends there.

Step 3: File the complaint within the next 30 days

If payment is not made, the complaint must be filed before the Magistrate within 30 days after the 15-day period ends. Delay can be condoned only for sufficient cause.

What can the court order?

• Imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine of up to twice the cheque amount, or both
• Interim compensation of up to 20% of the cheque amount during the trial (Section 143A)

Can the case be settled?

Yes. The offence is compoundable, and many cases are settled through negotiation or Lok Adalat at any stage.

Key takeaway

Timelines decide these cases. Keep the original cheque and the return memo safe, and take advice as soon as the cheque is returned.

If you fear arrest in a non-bailable offence, you do not have to wait to be arrested before approaching the court.

What is anticipatory bail?

It is a direction by the Sessions Court or High Court that, if you are arrested, you shall be released on bail. It was earlier provided by Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and is now in Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), in force from 1 July 2024.

When should you apply?

When you have a reasonable belief that you may be arrested — for example after a complaint has been filed against you or an FIR has been registered.

What does the court consider?

• The nature and seriousness of the accusation
• Your criminal antecedents, if any
• The possibility of you fleeing from justice
• Whether the accusation appears to be made to injure or humiliate you

Are there conditions?

Usually, yes. Courts commonly direct you to join the investigation when called, not leave India without permission, and not contact or influence witnesses.

How long does it last?

The Supreme Court has held that anticipatory bail need not be limited to a fixed period and can continue until the end of trial, unless the court orders otherwise.

Key takeaway

Act early. Keep copies of the complaint or FIR and any documents that show your side of the story when you meet your advocate.

Mutual consent divorce is usually the quickest and least stressful way to end a marriage when both spouses agree.

Who can file?

For Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs, Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 applies. Both spouses must have lived separately for at least one year and mutually agreed that the marriage should be dissolved. Similar provisions exist under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.

What must be agreed?

Before filing, the spouses should settle all issues in writing, including:

• Alimony or a one-time settlement
• Custody of and visitation with children
• Return of jewellery and belongings (stridhan)
• Withdrawal of any pending cases

Step 1: First motion

A joint petition is filed before the Family Court. Both spouses appear and their statements are recorded.

Step 2: Cooling-off period

The law provides a waiting period of six months after the first motion. The Supreme Court (Amardeep Singh v. Harveen Kaur, 2017) held that the Family Court may waive this period where there is no chance of reconciliation and all issues are settled.

Step 3: Second motion and decree

Both spouses confirm their consent again, and the court grants the decree of divorce.

How long does it take?

Depending on the court and whether the waiting period is waived, from a few weeks to around seven months after filing.

Key takeaway

A clear, complete settlement agreement is the key to a smooth mutual divorce.

A property purchase is one of the largest financial decisions most families make. A few legal checks before paying can prevent years of litigation.

1. Verify the title

Trace the chain of ownership through past sale deeds, ideally for 30 years or more. Every transfer should be registered and the seller should have clear, absolute title.

2. Get an encumbrance certificate

An encumbrance certificate from the Sub-Registrar's office shows registered mortgages, charges or transactions on the property.

3. Check land records and taxes

Confirm that the mutation records and property tax receipts are in the seller's name and that there are no unpaid dues.

4. Check approvals

For flats and new construction, check the sanctioned building plan, commencement certificate and, where applicable, the occupancy or completion certificate.

5. Check RERA registration

Most new projects must be registered with the state RERA. Registration lets you check approvals, timelines and complaints online.

6. Look for disputes

Ask for a litigation search, and confirm there are no pending family or partition disputes, especially for inherited property.

7. Stamp duty and registration

The sale deed must be stamped as required by state law and registered under the Registration Act, 1908. An unregistered sale deed does not transfer ownership.

Key takeaway

Never make a large payment on the basis of photocopies. Have the original documents examined before signing an agreement for sale.

Defective products, poor services, delayed flat possession and wrongly rejected insurance claims can all be challenged before a Consumer Commission.

Who is a consumer?

Anyone who buys goods or hires services for consideration, other than for resale or large-scale commercial purposes.

Which commission should you approach?

It depends on the value of goods or services paid for:

• District Commission: up to ₹50 lakh
• State Commission: above ₹50 lakh and up to ₹2 crore
• National Commission: above ₹2 crore

What is the time limit?

A complaint should generally be filed within two years from the date the cause of action arose. Delay may be condoned if there is sufficient cause.

Can I file online?

Yes. Complaints can be filed through the e-Daakhil portal, and you can file where you live or work.

What should I keep ready?

• Invoice, receipt or agreement
• Correspondence with the seller or service provider
• Photographs, reports or other proof of the defect
• A copy of any legal notice sent

What can the Commission order?

Replacement or repair, a refund, compensation for loss and harassment, and litigation costs.

Key takeaway

Send a clear written complaint to the company first and keep records. If it is not resolved, the Consumer Commission is a cost-effective remedy.