How long does the drawer have to pay after notice? (15 days)

Answer

A:

After receiving a legal demand notice in a cheque bounce case, the drawer has 15 days to make the payment.

 Explanation

• When a cheque is dishonoured, the payee must send a written demand notice to the drawer within 30 days of receiving the cheque return memo.

• Once the drawer receives the notice, he gets 15 days to clear the cheque amount.

• If he pays within these 15 days, the matter ends and no case can be filed under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.

• If he does not pay within 15 days, then after the expiry of this period, the payee can file a complaint in the Magistrate Court within the next 30 days.

The drawer has 15 days from the date of receiving the notice to make the payment. If paid, no case; if not, the payee can proceed with a Section 138 complaint.