Somnath Sarkar vs Utpal Basu Mallick & Anr

The Supreme Court held that under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, the total compensation payable for a dishonoured cheque includes the cheque amount and any additional interest, clarifying that the total compensation of Rs.80,000/- was appropriate. The Court reduced the compensation amount to Rs.20,000/- to be paid within eight weeks, with a default sentence of six months imprisonment. The Court emphasized the need for clarity in the liability imposed by lower courts and confirmed that the complainant had already received the compensation.