The Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881 ("the NI
Act") came into being as an Act to define and amend
the law relating to promissory note, bill of exchange and cheques.
The NI Act has been amended time and again to ensure and enhance
the trust in negotiable instruments.
Indian courts are riddled with the colossal problem of pending
cases, with almost 20 per cent of the pending litigation pertains
only to cheque dishonor disputes under section 138 of the
Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.
The Central Government through The Negotiable Instrument
(Amendment) Act, 2018 has notified amendments to the NI Act by
incorporating several new provisions. The insertion of such new
provisions in the NI Act is a welcome step aimed at addressing the
issue of undue delay, efficacy and efficiency in cases related to
dishonor of cheques. This article focuses on two important
amendments to the NI Act i.e. Section 143A and Section 148. These
sections empower the courts to direct the drawer
