Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act: Cheque Bounce Conviction Upheld; Mere Denial Cannot Rebut Statutory Presumption: Himachal Pradesh High Court

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has upheld the conviction of Kartar Singh in a cheque dishonour case under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The Court held that once the issuance of the cheque and the signature of the accused are admitted, the statutory presumption under Section 118 and Section 139 of the Negotiable Instruments Act comes into operation. Unless the accused produces credible evidence to rebut this presumption,…