Private Platform to Connect You With Lawyer

Whether someone's cheque to you has bounced or you have received a cheque bounce notice, we connect you with an independent, experienced advocate for counselling on your Section 138 matter. Share your details and documents, and we'll organise your case and put you in touch with a lawyer who can advise you on the next step.

1) Share your matter

2) Upload cheque & return memo

3) Talk to a lawyer

Important: ChequeBounceCounsel.org is a private platform that connects users with independent advocates. It is not a court, government website or law firm, and it does not itself give legal advice or representation. Legal counselling, notices and representation are provided directly by the independent advocate. No outcome is guaranteed. Read the Terms, Disclaimer and Refund Policy.

Why Talk to a Lawyer Early?

Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 has strict conditions and time limits. The right course depends on the cheque, the return memo, the underlying debt or liability, how notice was served, the parties involved and the jurisdiction — which is why advice from a lawyer on your exact facts matters.

Whether you are the payee seeking your money back or the drawer who has received a notice, a lawyer can help you understand your position and options. Missing a statutory date can affect the remedies available, so it is best to seek counselling promptly.

During counselling, the advocate can guide you on:

Whether the cheque and return memo support a Section 138 case
The strength of the underlying debt, loan, invoice or agreement
Sending a legal demand notice, or replying to one received
Filing a complaint, defending a case, or settling the matter
Limitation dates and which court has jurisdiction

General legal information: Under the Act, the written demand notice is generally required within 30 days of receiving bank information about dishonour; the drawer then has 15 days from receipt of the notice to pay; and the complaint is generally filed within one month after that period ends, subject to any delay the court may condone. Confirm the dates for your case with the advocate.

Get Connected with a Lawyer For

Legal Notice

Talk to a lawyer about sending a cheque bounce demand notice, or replying to one you have received.

Filing a Complaint

Get advice from a lawyer on whether and when to file a Section 138 complaint, and what is needed.

Defending a Case

If you are the drawer or accused, get counselling on your defence, court appearance and bail.

Settlement

Get guidance from a lawyer on negotiation, mediation or compounding to settle the matter.

Key Timeline Checkpoints

A general overview of the statutory timeline — your lawyer will confirm the exact dates for your case.

Present the cheque

The cheque must be presented within its validity period.

Cheque is returned

Keep the return memo and note the date you learnt of the dishonour.

Written demand notice

Generally required within 30 days of receiving the bank's information.

Payment or complaint

The drawer gets 15 days after receipt; complaint timing is then governed by Section 142.

Cheque bounced or received a notice? Talk to a lawyer today.