Cheque Dishonour Complaint Maintainable Only At Payee’s Bank Branch: Supreme Court Interprets Sec. 142(2)(a) NI Act

The Supreme Court clarifies that for offences under Section 138 NI Act, complaints must be filed where the payee’s bank branch is located, not the drawer’s. The ruling ensures uniformity in territorial jurisdiction and prevents misuse or forum shopping in cheque dishonour cases.