SC seeks reply of HCs on report by amicus curiae

The Supreme Court has directed that a preliminary report on cheque bouncing by an amicus curiae or friend of the court be shared with all high courts in the country.

Earlier, the apex court had taken suo motu cognisance of the lakhs of chequebouncing cases pending in district courts and decided to evolve a “concerted and “coordinated” mechanism for expeditious disposal of such litigations.

Cases tied to cheque bouncing are heard under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instrument Act. A two-judge bench of Chief Justice SA Bobde and Justice L Negeswara Rao has now sought response from the HCs on the preliminary report.

Amicus Curiae and senior advocate Sidharth Luthra has told the top court that he had prepared a preliminary report along with Advocate Parameswaran Iyer on the matter, and that he would requires a reply from HCs, reported Bar and Bench.

The SC had decided to take up the issue while dealing with a plea related to dishonour of two cheques in January 2005. It had noted that a dispute of this nature had remained pending for 15 years in various courts and taken judicial time.