In order to reduce the number of cheque bounce cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, it was important that the deadline for cheque bounce cases was clearly defined. The Supreme Court has ordered the setting up of pilot courts containing retired judges to deal with pending cheque bounce cases. To help solve more cases about cheque bounces complete more quickly, the Supreme Court has ordered that a pilot court be set up for this. The judges in charge will come from retired high courts. The bench comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao, BR Gavai, and S Ravindra Bhat said that the Special Courts will be initially set up in 5 States namely, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.
The bench passed the direction in the suo motu case taken by the Supreme Court last year to deal with the pendency of cheque dishonour cases. The bench stated today that it has accepted the suggestion made by amicus curiae Senior Advocate, Sidharth Luthra for the establishment of pilot courts. It is to begin on 01.09.2022 onwards. The Secretary-General of this court shall ensure that a copy of the present order is directly communicated to the Registrar General and retired judges of the said 5 High Courts, who should put it before the Chief Justice for immediate action. Compliance report to be filed on or before July 21, 2022. List for review on July 26, 2022”, Justice Ravindra Bhat read out the operative portion of the order.