Pawan Kumar Ralli vs Maninder Singh Narula

The Supreme Court held that the High Court erred in quashing the criminal proceedings under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, on the grounds of limitation. The Court clarified that the handwritten notice dated 27th April, 2012, served as a valid notice under Section 138(b), and the formal notice issued on 24th May, 2012, was within the permissible time frame for initiating proceedings. The Court emphasized that the provisions of Section 142(b) allow for condonation of delays, thus reinstating the criminal proceedings against the respondent.