In a report on the heavy pendency in Delhi's courts that hear cheque-bounce cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, The Indian Express described record rooms stacked with files and staff working long hours. According to the report, these courts carried far more cases than the city's average, although the Act contemplates that cheque-dishonour cases be decided within six months.
Advocate Pravesh Dabas, described in the report as handling a large number of cheque-bounce matters, said the case load is not the only cause of delay. He pointed to:
- delay in serving summons on the accused, particularly where the accused lives in another state;
- disputes about territorial jurisdiction; and
- cases in which the opposite party does not appear for long periods, so that a trial cannot begin.
He said non-service of summons delays many such trials.
Where it was reported
- The Indian Express — "'File pe file': At Delhi's digital courts, massive pendency of cases gives staff sleepless nights" (New Delhi, 29 March 2025)
