I respectfully disagree with expert R. Trivedi.
Suppose someone is convicted in 138 NI and he is awarded a punishment of 1 yrs SI plus fine of cheque amount, then in Mr. R. Trivedi's view, the accused can compound the case by simply paying the cheque amount + 10% without the consent of the complainant in the high court.
If this was the case, then no body would ever fear a 138 NI case. But it is not true. Yes if the accused makes a settlement with the complainant then the case can be compounded at any stage of the case even till supreme court.