T.P.S. Mann, J. - (1.) The petitioners are seeking quashing of criminal proceedings launched against them on the basis of a criminal complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.
(2.) It has been submitted that the bill for Rs. 2,05,793/- raised by the respondents for the supply of bricks to the petitioner was finally settled at Rs. 2,05,460/-, which amount has since been paid in its entirety by way of a bank-draft for Rs. 1,00,000/- and the remaining amount through cheque, which has since been cleared and the amount credited to the respondents. The cheque in question, which was earlier cancelled and for an amount of Rs. 2,05,460/- in respect of above bill was issued earlier but after the payment of the amount, the cheque was cancelled by respondents and returned to the petitioner. It was later on learnt that the cheque which was returned to the petitioner, was not the original one but a coloured photocopy of the cheque in question. Further, it has been submitted that the said cheque had been re-submitted by the respondents with an intention to take double the amount from the petitioners when the said cheque was dishonoured. Although the payment had already been made by the petitioners earlier to the respondents, present complaint was instituted by the latter against the former.
(3.) A perusal of the notice dated 11.8.2004 (Annexure P.6) issued by respondents under Section 138 of the Act, clearly mentions that the earlier bill for Rs. 2,05,793/-, which amount was finally settled as Rs. 2,05,460/- had already been cleared by the petitioners and the cheque in question was for other outstanding bills regarding the supply of bricks. "The payment for bill dated 3.11.2003 for the value of Rs. 2,05,793/- stands already made through a draft and a cheque and payment of remaining three bills still outstands against you. On account of part payment, you handed over a cheque bearing No. 190012 dated 21.1.2004 for Rs. 2,05,460/- drawn on Canara Bank, Rajpura Road, Ludhiana to my client and you assured that the said cheque on presentation shall be duly honoured and amount realised from the said cheque may be adjusted towards outstanding against the said supplies made to you.";