How many times can a cheque be presented?

Answer

A:

A cheque can be presented any number of times to the bank, provided it is still within its validity period of 3 months from the date mentioned on the cheque (as per RBI guidelines). For example, if a cheque bounces once due to insufficient funds, the payee may choose to present it again during this validity period.

However, when it comes to filing a cheque bounce case under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, legal action can be initiated only once per cheque, based on the last dishonour. Once the payee issues a legal demand notice after a cheque is returned unpaid, the cheque cannot be re-presented again for the purpose of starting a fresh case.

 In summary:

• Unlimited presentation allowed within 3 months validity.

• Only one legal case can be filed under Section 138 NI Act, based on the final dishonour.

 This means you may present the cheque multiple times if you believe funds may become available, but for legal proceedings, you must rely on the last bounce before sending the notice.