Quasi-criminal proceedings can be initiated under Section 138 of NI Act- SC

P. Mohanraj & Ors. Vs Shah Brothers Ispat Pvt. Ltd. (Supreme Court) Shri Lekhi, learned Additional Solicitor General, took strong objection to the use of the expression ‘quasi-criminal’ to describe proceedings under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, which, according to him, can only be described as criminal proceedings. This is for the reason that these proceedings result in imprisonment or fine or both, which are punishments that can be imposed only in criminal proceedings as stated by Section 53 of the Indian Penal Code. It is difficult to agree with Shri Lekhi. ...