Cheque bounce case -- It is trite that mens rea is the quintessential of every crime -- Objective of Parliament was to strengthen the use of cheques, distinct from other negotiable instruments, as mercantile tender and therefore it became essential for the Section 138 NI Act offence to be freed from the requirement of proving mens rea -- Offence is committed no sooner the drawee bank returns the cheque unpaid.
(SC) Decided on: 01.08.2014