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2020 (9) TMI 256 - HC - Indian LawsMaintainability of complaint - Dishonor of cheque - complaint preferred by the appellant under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act has been dismissed in default for want of prosecution - HELD THAT:- In view of Section 143 of the NI Act, offence under Section 138 of the NI Act is to be tried summarily and accordingly, procedure for summons case provided in Chapter XX of the Code of Criminal Procedure is applicable during the trial initiated on filing a complaint under Section 138 of the NI Act. In this Chapter, Section 256 Cr.P.C. deals with a situation of non-appearance or death of complainant. Section 256 Cr.P.C. provides discretion to the Magistrate either to acquit the accused or to adjourn the case for some other day, if he thinks it proper. Proviso to this Section also empowers the Magistrate to dispense with the complainant from his personal attendance if it is found not necessary and to proceed with the case. Also, when the complainant is represented by a pleader or by the officer conducting the prosecution, the Magistrate may proceed with the case in absence of the complainant - Keeping in view the effect of dismissal in default, the Magistrate is supposed to exercise his discretion with care and caution clearly mentioning in the order that there was no reason for him to think it proper to adjourn the hearing of the case to some other day. In present case complainant was contesting its case with due diligence and in fact trial was almost complete on 18.02.2015 when arguments were heard and case was listed for furnishing requisite bonds by the respondent under Section 437-A Cr.P.C. and final order on 26.02.2015. But final order could not be passed on account of conduct of the respondent. The Magistrate was not justified in dismissing the complaint in default for absence of authorized person of the complainant coupled with failure of its counsel to attend the case on that date, particularly, when the complainant was pursuing its case from 18.10.2013 and was being represented through counsel on numerous dates fixed for service of respondent through bailable and non-bailable warrants - Appeal allowed.
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