🔴 Latest Updates 2024-2026:
• Cheque validity reduced to 3 months (from 6 months) effective April 1, 2012.
• NI Amendment Act 2018: Section 143A (interim compensation up to 20%) and Section 148 (appeal deposit min 20% of fine) inserted.
• SC 2025 — Dhanasingh Prabhu case: Section 138 complaint maintainable even if partnership firm not arrayed as accused, if partners in charge are impleaded.
• SC 2026 — Sumit Bansal case: Multiple complaints for dishonour of several cheques in same transaction do not automatically constitute abuse of process.
• Karnataka HC 2025 — B.R. Anand case: 30-day notice window excludes the date of bank's notification of dishonour.