In a Criminal Appeal arising out of proceedings under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, the Supreme Court has ruled that once the settlement has been arrived at and the complainant has signed the deed, the proceedings under this provision must be quashed.
"Considering the overall facts and circumstances of the case, we are of the view that once the settlement has been arrived at and the complainant has signed the deed accepting a particular amount in full and final settlement of the default amount and the fine amount awarded by the Trial Court, the proceedings under Section 138 of the NI Act need to be quashed," observed the bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Satish Chandra Sharma.
The instant appeal was filed challenging the September 13, 2017, order passed by the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla Bench. By its impugned order, the High Court had upheld the conviction of the accused persons/ the present petitioners under Section 138 of the N.I. Act.
However, in the meantime, a compromise deed was entered between the parties. As per this deed, the respondent-complainant agreed to accept a certain amount as full and final settlement of the cheque amount and the fine imposed by the Trial Court and confirmed by the High Court.
