Rakesh Ranjan Shrivastava vs The State Of Jharkhand

The Supreme Court examined whether Section 143A(1) of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, which allows for interim compensation, is mandatory or directory. The Court held that the use of 'may' in the provision indicates it is discretionary, but the factors to be considered when exercising this discretion must be clearly defined. The Court upheld the lower courts' decisions to grant interim compensation, affirming the need for judicial discretion in such matters.