Tools / Cheque bounce timeline
Your cheque bounced? See your dates.
From the bounce to the last day to file a complaint.
A guide, not legal advice. Under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, you have 30 days from hearing that the cheque bounced to send a written demand notice. The other person then has 15 days from getting it to pay. If they don’t, you have one month to file a complaint (Section 142). The first day is not counted in each period. A cheque is valid for 3 months from its date (RBI rule); banks may count this a little differently, so don’t leave it to the last day. Court holidays are not included. For your own case, check with a lawyer.
Worked out in your browser. Nothing you type is sent anywhere.
How to use it
- Enter the cheque date and the day the bank told you it bounced.
- Once you have sent the notice, add the day they received it.
- Read each last date. Dates already passed are marked.
Questions
What is a demand notice?
A written letter asking the person to pay the cheque amount. It must be sent within 30 days of learning that the cheque bounced.
What if I don't know when they got the notice?
Leave it blank. The later dates are explained in words, and fill in once you add the date.
Is what I type sent anywhere?
No. It's worked out in your browser. Nothing you type leaves your device.