✅ What’s New in 2025?
1. Stricter Punishment
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If your cheque bounces due to insufficient funds or on purpose:
- You can be jailed for up to 2 years (earlier it was 1 year).
- You may be fined up to twice the cheque amount.
Note: If the cheque bounces due to a technical bank error, this rule won’t apply.
2. Easier Complaint Filing
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If someone’s cheque bounces, you can now:
- Get the bank return memo within 30 days.
- File a legal complaint within 3 months (earlier, it was only 1 month).
This gives more time and makes it easier for the payee to take legal action.
💡 How to Avoid Cheque Bounce
- Always write the correct date on the cheque.
- Don’t issue torn or old cheques.
- Make sure you have enough money in your account.
- Use crossed cheques for extra safety.
- Write the amount clearly in numbers and words.
🔁 Use Digital Payments Instead
To stay safe, you can use these faster, secure options:
- UPI
- NEFT
- RTGS
They are quick and reduce the chances of errors.
🛑 What to Do If Your Cheque Bounces
- Talk to the person quickly and try to pay the amount.
- You have 15 days to clear the payment and avoid legal trouble.
- If you feel the complaint is wrong, get help from a lawyer.
👉 This blog is for general information only. For legal matters, consult a professional.
