Filing timeline for a case under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881

This is the short and simplest filing timeline of case under Scetion 138 of NI Act 1881 

Step	Time Limit
Cheque presented to bank	Within 3 months from cheque date
Cheque dishonoured	Date of dishonour noted
Legal notice to drawer	Within 30 days of receiving bank memo
Wait for payment	15 days from receipt of legal notice
Cause of action arises	After expiry of 15 days from notice
Filing of complaint	Within 1 month from cause of action

Example:

Suppose:

• Cheque Date: 1st March 2025

• Cheque presented: 10th March 2025

• Cheque dishonoured: 12th March 2025

• Bank returns memo: 13th March 2025

• Legal notice sent: 25th March 2025 (within 30 days)

• Notice received by drawer: 27th March 2025

• 15 days wait ends: 11th April 2025

• Cause of action arises: 12th April 2025

• Complaint must be filed by: 11th May 2025 (within 1 month)

Timeline Table (Infographic Style)

Stage	Action/Deadline	Remarks
🗓️ Cheque Issued	—	Dated cheque (e.g., 1st March)
🏦 Cheque Presented	Within 3 months of cheque date	Present to bank
❌ Cheque Dishonoured	Bank returns with "insufficient funds", etc.	Bank memo issued
📬 Legal Notice to Drawer	Within 30 days of dishonour	Demand for payment
⏳ Wait Period After Notice	15 days from receipt of notice	Time given to drawer to pay
⚖️ Cause of Action Arises	After expiry of 15 days	If no payment made
📝 Complaint Filing	Within 1 month of cause of action	File u/s 138 NI Act