‘Conviction for offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act cannot be termed as an offence involved under criminal laws’

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has held that the conviction for the offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act (Dishonour of cheque for insufficiency of funds) cannot be termed as an offence involved under criminal laws.

The court was hearing an appeal filed by the State challenging a Single Bench order that quashed the stoppage of pension to a retired policeman from Virudhunagar district who was convicted for the offence under the Negotiable Instruments Act.