NI Act | Unless Accused Pleads Guilty, Interim Compensation U/S 143-A Cannot Be Granted: J&K High Court

In the recent judgment by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, it was clarified that interim compensation under Section 143-A of the Negotiable Instruments Act (NI Act) cannot be awarded unless the accused pleads guilty to the charge. The court highlighted that such compensation is only permissible when the accused admits to the offense, and if they do not plead guilty, the interim compensation cannot be granted. This decision reinforces the legal requirement for a guilty plea before awarding any interim relief in cases of dishonored cheques.