The above order also does not absolutely state that S.20 is applicable on cheque, its a prima facie right, that means complainant cannot just rely on S.139 and S.20 alone.
My question is: Cite a single order wherein complainant admitted that the cheque was blank and it was filled up without the consent of the drawer...and case was won based on S.20. Not eve a single order.
I have also could not found out any order wherein it is ruled by the Apex or High Court that the cheque is the stamped instrument. Accused can always take the plea that it was a blank cheque (with proof), filled up without his consent and S.20 is not applicable on cheque. The remedy with the complainant is civil and not criminal under S.138
Not even a single trial court counsel of accused, talks of non applicability of S.20 on blank cheque. Even you soundung a very good supporter of accused case, write as below.
Now telling that NI SECTION 20 is not applicable is not correct.
It is absolutely correct and as per government financial bill that cheque is not a stamped instrument. If the legislature wanted any negotiable instrument, then they would not have put word stamped, they would have not stated the amount covered by the stamp.
Consider following
Blank Cheque is filled by complainant for any amount, and he says it was a friendly loan, accused brings some proof that when given it was blank and no subsequent consent was given, now if court convicts the drawer that clearly means neither the counsel of accused did his homework nor the learned magistrate thought about the case.
It is my personal humble suggestion to all the accused and counsels of accused If the cheque is blank when given, put on record point blank that it was blank and S.20 is not applicable.
I give you one more example of honorabel High Court (not able to recall offhand), complainant as usual stated that it was a filled up cheque on receipt, accused proved that it was blank when given, trial court convicted the accused citing S.20. Honorabel High Court blasted the trial court stating that it is not the case of complainant that it was a blank cheque, trial court illegally exceeded it is jurisdiction by coming out with its own theory.
No court of law even Supreme Court can interpret the Statue differently if the meaning is straight forward and in simple English. Judges cannot force their personal views against the statue, even if they are logical.
Take one more example, the S.138 says :Cognizance can be taken within 6 months of date of drawn or validity of the cheque". Please read S.46 Delivery, the date of delivery is termed as date of drawn. If we leave aside the PDC for time being, any cheque even undated (or blank) is a useless piece of paper if delivered 6 months ago from the date of drawn.
Read the UK law on cheques, it very clearly states that the date of drawn for the undated cheque shall be date of delivery, our NI Act is not so specific on this except S.46. It is unlawful on the part of trial courts even to take cognizance by financial institution wherein Blank cheques are taken years back.
As you have rightly pointed out earlier, most of the time accused can come out technically, but then most of the accused 100% rely on their counsel and you know most of the counsels do not really give proper attention to the cases. and unfortunately accused gets stuck when he has limited scope to defend.
Recently one gentle man asked in this forum can the examination in chief be changed ? It cannot be. The affidavit which comes with the complaint is the master evidence, in absence of any other witness (in most cheque bounce cases complainant with Banks is the only witness) the case has to fail. Chaning examination in chief in cheque bounce cases means extending the limitation.
Pl keep doing the good work, you have the sound knowledge and keep thrashing the dishonest complaints.