Legal Settlement Bars Subsequent Complaint: Lok Adalat Decree Prevents Repeated Proceedings for Same Debt Under Section 138

HC held that the settlement in Lok Adalat constitutes a legally enforceable civil decree. After receiving Rs. 13,00,000 out of the agreed Rs. 16,50,000, the subsequent complaint under Section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act was deemed unsustainable. The court quashed the third complaint, noting that multiple proceedings for the same debt would result in double jeopardy. The complainant's recourse is limited to executing the settlement under Cr.P.C. or initiating contempt proceedings. The petitioner was discharged, with no observations made regarding the amount already received, leaving parties free to pursue appropriate legal remedies. .....

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