Whether accused can be convicted for dishonour of time barred undated cheque?

 Under  Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments

Act,  as the validity of a cheque is only for 6 months  from

the  date of issuance, the implied authorisation for filling

up  the cheque should certainly be within the  limitation of

six months and not more than the period of limitation. As it

has  been proved that the undated cheque was handed over one

year and six months prior to the date of the cheque, I am of

the considered view that the dishonour of the same would not

create    any    criminal   liability   on   the    revision

petitioner/accused.  The  courts below  without  considering

the  legal aspect under the Negotiable Instruments  Act  and

also  the  factual circumstances, have given the  concurrent

finding which has to be construed as a manifest error of law

and   to   meet  the  ends  of  justice,  it  warrants   the

interference  of  this  Court.   Accordingly,   I  find   it

reasonable to allow this criminal revision petition.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

                      DATED: 23.11.2006

                           CORAM:  MR. JUSTICE S. TAMILVANAN

                   Crl.R.C.No.1439 OF 2004
                              

Ramakannan   Vs Chettiar and Co.,

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