23/03/2026
For new advocates Guide on how to draft a legally effective demand notice under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act
A legally effective demand notice under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act should include the following key elements, drafted clearly and formally:Sample Format for Demand Notice under Section 138 NI ActTo,
[Name and address of the drawer]
Date:
[Insert date]
Subject: Legal Notice under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 for dishonour of cheque
Sir/Madam,
Under instructions and authority from my client [Name of client], having office at [Address], I hereby serve upon you this formal demand notice under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.
You had issued cheque no. [Cheque number] dated [Date], drawn on [Bank name and branch], for Rs. [Amount in figures and words], to discharge your financial liability to my client.
The said cheque was presented for payment, but was returned unpaid by your bank with the endorsement “[reason for dishonour, e.g., Insufficient Funds]” vide cheque return memo dated [Date].
Despite repeated reminders (including personal visits and telephonic calls), you have failed to make the payment to my client.
You are hereby called upon to make the payment of Rs. [Amount] within 15 days from the receipt of this notice, failing which my client shall be constrained to initiate criminal proceedings against you as provided under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, for which you will be liable for the legal consequences.
This notice is without prejudice to all other rights and remedies available to my client.
Kindly take notice.
Yours faithfully,
[Name and signature of the issuing advocate]
[Contact details and address]
Important Points for Effectiveness
The notice must be sent within 30 days from the date of receiving the cheque return memo.
Clearly mention the cheque details, exact dishonour reason, and the legal provisions (Section 138 NI Act).
Demand payment within 15 days from notice receipt.
Keep proof of sending and delivery (Registered Post Acknowledgement Due or Speed Post).
Avoid ambiguous language; be firm, clear, and professional.
Include a mention that failure to pay will lead to legal action.
This format and approach satisfy statutory requirements and courts consider such a notice legally valid and essential for proceeding with a cheque bounce complaint.
This completes the guide on how to draft a legally effective demand notice under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.