DEEPAK AHUJA vs STATE OF HARYANA AND ANOTHER

03.04.2026 passed by learned Additional Sessions Judge, Panchkula, dismissing the appeal preferred against the judgment of conviction and order of sentence dated 14.05.2024 passed by learned Judicial Magistrate Ist Class, Kalka, vide which the petitioner was convicted and sentenced to undergo simple imprisonment for a period of 6 months under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881 (for short, ‘the Act’) and to pay compensation. 2. The facts relevant as narrated in the complaint filed under Section 138 of the NI Act are that the in discharge of his liability towards the respondent-complainant, the petitioner-accused issued a cheque PARVEEN KUMAR 2026.05.18 16:55 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this order/judgment. bearing No.551274 dated 31.10.2019 in the sum of Rs.4,50,000/-. However, on presentation thereof, the same was dishonoured and returned with the remarks “Funds Insufficient”. Despite issuance of legal notice, the petitioner failed to make the payment within the stipulated period. The proceedings against him were initiated under Section 138 of the NI Act, pursuant to which, he appeared and was released on bail. On finding prima facie case under Section