For genuine reasons, ''STOP PAYMENT'' of Cheques is NOT an Offence & may NOT come u/s 138 Act. Isn't it..?! Pls clarify.
Since the validity of a cheque is only 6 MONTHS, how we can treat a BLANK cheques (ie.), without notifying the Date, Payee Name or Amount on the cheques but bearing only Drawer's signature which was issued 2 years back and the same has been complained as it was lost by the drawer one & half years back?
But, the Drawee holding the blank cheque which was given 2 years back and NEVER dropped it for encashment until now. Also, the said account has been closed ONE MONTH back due to operational issues. However, the Stop Payment instruction (for the Blank Cheques bearing drawer's signature) had been given some 18 Months back and has been accepted by the Bank Manager. Further, are we need to file any F.I.R. on this with the local police station? Whether lodging a case on this is MANDATORY or OPTIONAL?
Anyways, in this case, what is the VALIDITY of this BLANK Cheque issued 2 yrs back and how we can presume it? Whether it has any life now or expired by this time...? Pls clarify.