M/S. SHANKAR FINANCE & INVESTMENTS vs STATE OF A.P. .

The Supreme Court held that a complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act can be filed by an attorney holder, as long as the complaint is made by the payee or holder in due course. The Court clarified that the eligibility criteria under Section 142 is satisfied if the complaint is in the name of the payee company, regardless of who signs it. The Court reversed the High Court's decision that the complaint was not maintainable, emphasizing that the authority to file a complaint does not solely rest on the individual who initially presents it, allowing for representation by different persons as necessary.