Thanks for enlightening a lot regarding my query “legally enforceable debt” .Kindly clarify further –
1) Loan was given to the accused on 09/10/2002 by demand draft.
2) Undated a/c payee cheque was given by the accused & the complainant put the date on the cheque as 19/11/2007 as the accused did not pay the amount for a long period of 5 years despite repeated verbal assurances.
3) The cheque was dishonoured when presented to bank on 03/12/ 2007.
4) Notice was issued within the limitation period & the complaint was also filed within time stipulated u/s 138 & 142
5) The accused pleaded that the complaint is barred by limitation provided under NIA since the complaint has been filed 5 years after giving debt/loan.
6) There are three elements in section 138 as under--
A) Recovery of cheque amount
B) Punishment maximum 2 yrs
C) Penalty maximum double the amount of cheque
Please clarify whether the case is within the limitation & the accused is liable to actions mentioned in A , B, & C above & also clarify what will be the impact of explanation to sec.138 on the above case.