Punjab MP Malik urges for stringent law in cheque bounce cases

Ravi S Singh
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 24

Putting the spotlight on cheque bounce cases, BJP’s Rajya Sabha member from Punjab Shwait Malik urged for a stringent law against the defaulters.

Subsequent to Malik’s submission, House Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu directed the government to take note of matter.

Raising the issue in the House during Zero Hour on Monday, Malik demanded a provision in law to make it obligatory on the part of the defaulter to deposit the entire amount of money related to his dishonoured cheque in the court during the course of the legal proceedings against him.

The money should be blocked and not allow the offender to use it during the period of litigation against him.

In the eventuality of offender losing the legal case, or him passing away during the course of the litigation, the money should be given back to the victim.

“This will deter the offenders who dupe innocent people with impunity,” Malik said.

The offenders have the audacity to dupe people because they are sure they can sit over the money and play around with the victim for years due to procrastinated legal battle in courts.

If deterrent cost is imposed, they will have no incentive to cheat people.

There have been cases when victims become frustrated and commit suicide due to uncertainty, and long drawn out litigations. Also, they are compelled to compromise with the offenders, he said.

He informed the House that presently there are about 20 lakh cheque bounce cases pending resolution in courts.

The offenders do not spare women, elderly, and the small traders and business community. Large number of households has been brought to ruins, Malik added.