I have issued (on 7th Jan,2012) a company cheque of amount more than my authorized limit to our contractor for rendering services on monthly basis for one of our project. The cheque did not clear as for amount more than 3lakh second directors signature required. We paid the amount of cheque through RTGS immediately to him and asked (verbally) to return the dishonored cheque. He told that he destroyed the cheque, hence we trusted him and not asked him to give it in writing. The contract ended on 31st Mar, 2011 and we issued a cheque for final payment. After receiving the final payment, he started asking more money and told that I have preserved the dishonored cheque with me and will present again in bank so we gave STOP PAYMENT instruction to bank for that cheque. The contractor submitted the cheque in bank and it got dishonored again. Then he sent notice to us through lawyer to pay the cheque amount. We replied to notice with evidence but still he filed 138 NI act case against us and we received court summons to appear in court. He also accussed our other Directors who are foreingners. Please advise whether 138 NI act is applicable in this case and how to fight it in court.