{"id":27179,"date":"2026-07-03T07:01:14","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T07:01:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=27179"},"modified":"2026-07-03T07:04:50","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T07:04:50","slug":"death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/","title":{"rendered":"Death of Accused or Complainant in Section 138 NI Act Cases: Legal Effect, Supreme Court Judgments &amp; Rights of Legal Heirs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"h-i-introduction\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_Introduction\"><\/span>I. Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (&#8220;the NI Act&#8221;) creates a quasi-criminal offence for dishonour of a cheque issued in discharge of a legally enforceable debt or liability. The provision blends penal consequences \u2014 including imprisonment of up to two years \u2014 with civil recovery mechanisms such as fines and compensation, reflecting Parliament&#8217;s intention to instil commercial discipline in cheque transactions while ensuring creditor remedies.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#I_Introduction\" >I. Introduction<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#Key_Highlights\" >Key Highlights<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#Scope_of_the_Article\" >Scope of the Article<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#II_Death_of_the_Accused_%E2%80%94_Abatement_of_Criminal_Proceedings\" >II. Death of the Accused \u2014 Abatement of Criminal Proceedings<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#A_The_General_Rule\" >A. The General Rule<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#Key_Principles\" >Key Principles<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#B_Governing_Statutory_Framework\" >B. Governing Statutory Framework<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#C_Judicial_Pronouncements_%E2%80%94_Death_of_the_Accused\" >C. Judicial Pronouncements \u2014 Death of the Accused<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#1_K_Bhaskaran_v_Sankaran_Vaidhyan_Balan\" >1. K. Bhaskaran v. Sankaran Vaidhyan Balan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#2_Sonelal_Tiwari_v_State_of_Madhya_Pradesh\" >2. Sonelal Tiwari v. State of Madhya Pradesh<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#3_M_Abbas_Haji_v_TN_Channakeshava\" >3. M. Abbas Haji v. T.N. Channakeshava<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#4_Bondada_Gajapathi_Rao_v_State_of_Andhra_Pradesh\" >4. Bondada Gajapathi Rao v. State of Andhra Pradesh<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#5_Harnam_Singh_v_State_of_Himachal_Pradesh\" >5. Harnam Singh v. State of Himachal Pradesh<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#6_Indranil_Mukherjee_v_State_of_West_Bengal\" >6. Indranil Mukherjee v. State of West Bengal<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#D_Summary_of_the_Legal_Position_%E2%80%94_Death_of_Accused\" >D. Summary of the Legal Position \u2014 Death of Accused<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#Key_Takeaways\" >Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#III_Death_of_the_Complainant_%E2%80%94_Continuation_by_Legal_Heirs\" >III. Death of the Complainant \u2014 Continuation by Legal Heirs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#A_The_General_Rule-2\" >A. The General Rule<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#Key_Legal_Principles\" >Key Legal Principles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#B_Judicial_Pronouncements_%E2%80%94_Death_of_the_Complainant\" >B. Judicial Pronouncements \u2014 Death of the Complainant<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#1_Ashwin_Nanubhai_Vyas_v_State_of_Maharashtra\" >1. Ashwin Nanubhai Vyas v. State of Maharashtra<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#2_Jimmy_Jahangir_Madan_v_Bolly_Cariyappa_Hindley_Dead_by_LRs\" >2. Jimmy Jahangir Madan v. Bolly Cariyappa Hindley (Dead) by LRs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#3_Balasaheb_K_Thackeray_v_Venkat_Babru\" >3. Balasaheb K. Thackeray v. Venkat @ Babru<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#4_Chand_Devi_Daga_v_Manju_K_Humatani\" >4. Chand Devi Daga v. Manju K. Humatani<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#Quick_Reference_Summary\" >Quick Reference Summary<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#IV_Practical_Implications_and_Procedural_Recommendations\" >IV. Practical Implications and Procedural Recommendations<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#A_For_Legal_Heirs_of_a_Deceased_Complainant\" >A. For Legal Heirs of a Deceased Complainant<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#B_For_Legal_Heirs_of_a_Deceased_Accused\" >B. For Legal Heirs of a Deceased Accused<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#C_For_Complainants_Whose_Accused_Has_Died\" >C. For Complainants Whose Accused Has Died<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#Quick_Procedural_Checklist\" >Quick Procedural Checklist<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#V_Master_Citation_Table\" >V. Master Citation Table<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#VI_Conclusion\" >VI. Conclusion<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/#Key_Takeaways-2\" >Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A question of considerable practical importance arises when a party to proceedings under Section 138 \u2014 either the accused or the complainant \u2014 dies during the pendency of the trial, appeal, or revision. The answer turns upon the foundational principle that criminal liability is strictly personal and cannot be visited upon heirs; yet the civil and compensatory dimensions of a conviction may survive to burden or benefit the estate of the deceased. Indian courts, guided by the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (&#8220;CrPC&#8221;), have built a rich body of precedent on both limbs of this question. This article examines that jurisprudence comprehensively, incorporating full citations, verbatim judicial excerpts, and a master citation table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-key-highlights\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Highlights\"><\/span>Key Highlights<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Explains the legal framework governing death during proceedings under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discusses the distinction between personal criminal liability and surviving civil consequences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Examines the effect of the death of both the accused and the complainant during trial, appeal, or revision.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Analyses judicial precedents interpreting the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (&#8220;CrPC&#8221;).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provides comprehensive case law with full citations, judicial excerpts, and a master citation table.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-scope-of-the-article\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scope_of_the_Article\"><\/span>Scope of the Article<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Topic<\/th><th>Coverage<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Statutory Provision<\/td><td>Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Core Issue<\/td><td>Effect of the death of the accused or complainant during pending proceedings<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Applicable Law<\/td><td>Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Judicial Analysis<\/td><td>Supreme Court and High Court precedents<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Reference Material<\/td><td>Full citations, verbatim judicial excerpts, and a master citation table<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-ii-death-of-the-accused-abatement-of-criminal-proceedings\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"II_Death_of_the_Accused_%E2%80%94_Abatement_of_Criminal_Proceedings\"><\/span>II. Death of the Accused \u2014 Abatement of Criminal Proceedings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When an accused dies during the pendency of proceedings under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, several legal consequences follow depending upon the stage of the proceedings. Indian courts have consistently held that criminal liability is personal, while certain monetary liabilities affecting the estate may survive. The legal principles, statutory provisions, and landmark judicial pronouncements are discussed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-a-the-general-rule\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_The_General_Rule\"><\/span>A. The General Rule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the accused dies during the pendency of proceedings under Section 138 of the NI Act \u2014 whether at the trial stage, in appeal, or in revision \u2014 the criminal proceedings ordinarily abate. Criminal liability under Section 138 is personal in nature; the offence consists of acts that are personal to the drawer of the cheque, and the punitive limb (imprisonment) is incapable of being inflicted upon legal heirs. Courts have consistently refused to permit substitution of heirs as accused in criminal proceedings, since there is no concept of vicarious criminal liability for the dishonour of a cheque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-key-principles\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Principles\"><\/span>Key Principles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Criminal liability under Section 138 NI Act is personal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal heirs cannot ordinarily be substituted as accused.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The sentence of imprisonment cannot be enforced against legal representatives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proceedings normally abate upon the death of the accused.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-b-governing-statutory-framework\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"B_Governing_Statutory_Framework\"><\/span>B. Governing Statutory Framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The relevant statutory provisions governing abatement of criminal appeals on the death of an accused are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Provision<\/th><th>Legal Position<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Section 394(1) CrPC<\/strong><\/td><td>Every appeal against conviction under Section 374 CrPC shall finally abate on the death of the accused.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Section 394(2) CrPC<\/strong><\/td><td>Every other appeal (except an appeal from a sentence of fine) shall finally abate on the death of the appellant. However, where the appeal is against a conviction and sentence of death or imprisonment, any near relative (parent, spouse, lineal descendant, brother or sister) may, within thirty days of the death of the appellant, apply to the appellate court for leave to continue the appeal; and if leave is granted, the appeal shall not abate.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Sections 421 and 431 CrPC<\/strong><\/td><td>Fine may be recovered as arrears of land revenue. The death of the offender does not discharge from liability any property legally liable for his debts.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-c-judicial-pronouncements-death-of-the-accused\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"C_Judicial_Pronouncements_%E2%80%94_Death_of_the_Accused\"><\/span>C. Judicial Pronouncements \u2014 Death of the Accused<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-1-k-bhaskaran-v-sankaran-vaidhyan-balan\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_K_Bhaskaran_v_Sankaran_Vaidhyan_Balan\"><\/span>1. K. Bhaskaran v. Sankaran Vaidhyan Balan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Citation:<\/strong> (1999) 7 SCC 510 | AIR 1999 SC 3762 | Criminal Appeal No. 1015 of 1999 | Decided: 29 September 1999<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bench:<\/strong> K.T. Thomas &amp; M.B. Shah, JJ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Apex Court summed up in Pata 15 thus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;The offence under Section 138 of the Act can be completed only with the concatenation of a number of acts: (i) Drawing of the cheque; (ii) Presentation of the cheque to the bank; (iii) Returning the cheque unpaid by the drawee bank; (iv) Giving notice in writing to the drawer of the cheque demanding payment of the cheque amount; (v) Failure of the drawer to make payment within 15 days of the receipt of the notice.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance:<\/strong> This foundational judgement laid down the five essential ingredients of the offence under Section 138. The personal nature of each step \u2014 drawing, notice, and failure to pay \u2014 underscores that criminal liability inheres in the drawer alone and cannot be transmitted to heirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note:<\/strong> This decision was partially overruled on the issue of territorial jurisdiction by Dashrath Rupsingh Rathod v. State of Maharashtra, (2014) 9 SCC 129, where a three-judge bench held that jurisdiction lies only at the place where the cheque is dishonoured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-2-sonelal-tiwari-v-state-of-madhya-pradesh\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Sonelal_Tiwari_v_State_of_Madhya_Pradesh\"><\/span>2. Sonelal Tiwari v. State of Madhya Pradesh<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Citation:<\/strong> AIR 2009 SC 760 | Supreme Court of India<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bench:<\/strong> Supreme Court of India<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Apex Court in the aforesaid case observed in Para. 1 thus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;On the death of the sole appellant, normally this appeal would have been abated. But the appellant&#8217;s widow Smt Krishna Bai applied for resuscitation of the appeal presumably because she was not inclined to bear the stigma fastened on her late husband with the finding of the High Court that he was guilty of corruption charges.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance:<\/strong> The Supreme Court granted liberty to the widow of the deceased appellant to continue the appeal under the proviso to Section 394(2) CrPC after condoning the delay, recognising the legitimate interest of near relatives in clearing the name of the deceased. On merits, however, the court did not interfere with the sentence. This case illustrates that even where monetary stakes are absent, the reputational interest of near relatives is sufficient to sustain an appeal against a conviction after the appellant&#8217;s death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-3-m-abbas-haji-v-t-n-channakeshava\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_M_Abbas_Haji_v_TN_Channakeshava\"><\/span>3. M. Abbas Haji v. T.N. Channakeshava<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Citation:<\/strong> (2019) 9 SCC 606 | Criminal Appeal No. 664 of 2012 | Decided: 19 September 2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bench:<\/strong> Deepak Gupta &amp; Aniruddha Bose, JJ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Apex Court in Paras 1\u20133 of the said judgement observed the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Delay in filing a substitution application is condoned. Application for substitution is allowed, and abatement is set aside. This appeal is directed against the order dated 22.10.2008, whereby the High Court allowed the appeal of the complainant and held the original appellant before us (since deceased), whose legal representatives are on record, liable for conviction under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act&#8230; He was sentenced to pay a fine of Rs.5,10,000\/- and, in default, to undergo simple imprisonment for one year. The legal heirs, in such a case, are neither liable to pay the fine nor to undergo imprisonment. However, they have a right to challenge the conviction of their predecessor only for the purpose that he was not guilty of any offence. We have, therefore, allowed the application filed by the legal heirs to prosecute this appeal.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance:<\/strong> This is the leading authority specifically in the context of Section 138 NI Act proceedings on the rights of legal heirs of a deceased convicted accused. The court drew a clear distinction: heirs bear no personal liability for fine or imprisonment but may nonetheless prosecute the appeal in order to demonstrate that the deceased was not guilty. The appeal was dismissed on merits, confirming the conviction. The case also confirms that abatement can be set aside and substitution allowed even after delay, subject to the court&#8217;s discretion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-4-bondada-gajapathi-rao-v-state-of-andhra-pradesh\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Bondada_Gajapathi_Rao_v_State_of_Andhra_Pradesh\"><\/span>4. Bondada Gajapathi Rao v. State of Andhra Pradesh<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Citation:<\/strong> AIR 1964 SC 1645 | 1964 SCR (7) 251 | Criminal Appeal No. 179 of 1961 | Decided: 16 March 1964<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bench:<\/strong> Three-Judge Bench: A.K. Sarkar, M. Hidayatullah &amp; J.R. Mudholkar, JJ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The apex court concluded thus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;The principle on which the hearing of a proceeding may be continued after the death of an accused would appear to be the effect of the sentence on his property in the hands of his legal representatives. If the sentence affects that property, the legal representatives can be said to be interested in the proceeding and allowed to continue it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance:<\/strong> This three-judge bench judgement is the foundational authority on the right of legal representatives to continue criminal proceedings after an accused&#8217;s death. The principle is estate-based: where the sentence (particularly a sentence of fine) creates a liability on the estate that passes to the heirs, the heirs are &#8216;interested&#8217; parties who may seek to continue the proceedings to ward off that liability. Conversely, where the sentence is only imprisonment \u2014 personal and non-transmissible \u2014 there is no continuing interest to support continuation. The test formulated here has been consistently applied in all subsequent decisions, including in the Section 138 NI Act context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-5-harnam-singh-v-state-of-himachal-pradesh\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Harnam_Singh_v_State_of_Himachal_Pradesh\"><\/span>5. Harnam Singh v. State of Himachal Pradesh<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Citation:<\/strong> (1975) 3 SCC 343 | AIR 1975 SC 236 | 1975 SCR (2) 823 | Decided: 21 November 1974<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bench:<\/strong> Y.V. Chandrachud &amp; P.N. Bhagwati, JJ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Apex Court in Para 10 concluded this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;It is true that an appeal from a composite order of sentence is ordinarily directed against both the substantive imprisonment and the fine. But, such an appeal does not for that reason cease to be an appeal from a sentence of a fine. It is something more, not less, than an appeal from a sentence of fine only, and it is significant that the parenthetical clause of Section 431 does not contain the word &#8216;only&#8217;. To limit the operation of the exception contained in that clause so as to take away from its purview appeals directed both against imprisonment and fine is to read into the clause the word &#8216;only&#8217;, which is not there and which, by no technique of interpretation, may be read there. The plain meaning of Section 431 is that every criminal appeal abates on the death of the accused, &#8216;except an appeal from a sentence of fine&#8217;. The section for its application requires that the appeal must be directed to the sentence of fine and not that it must be directed to that sentence only.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance:<\/strong> This judgement resolved a significant controversy: when a sentence combines imprisonment with a fine, does the whole appeal abate on death, or only the imprisonment component? The court held that the appeal abates only in respect of the sentence of imprisonment; the appeal against the sentence of fine survives and may be prosecuted by legal representatives, who stand to be affected by the financial liability on the estate. This principle is directly applicable to sentences under Section 138 of the NI Act, which routinely impose both imprisonment and fine\/compensation. The earlier decision of the Allahabad High Court (<em>Vidya Devi v. State<\/em>, AIR 1957 All. 20) taking the contrary view was held to be wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-6-indranil-mukherjee-v-state-of-west-bengal\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Indranil_Mukherjee_v_State_of_West_Bengal\"><\/span>6. Indranil Mukherjee v. State of West Bengal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Citation:<\/strong> CRR No. 1555 of 2021 | 2022 LiveLaw (Cal) 145 | Decided: 21 April 2022<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bench:<\/strong> Calcutta High Court; Kausik Chanda, J.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The High Court, with reference to the issue in hand, observed thus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;I am of the view that in case of death of an accused, the compensation awarded under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, can be recovered from the estate of a deceased accused, but an interim compensation awarded under Section 143A of the said Act cannot be recovered from the estate of a deceased accused who died before the conclusion of the trial.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance:<\/strong> This decision draws a crucial and practically important distinction between two types of monetary orders in NI Act proceedings. Post-conviction compensation (under Section 138 read with Section 357 CrPC) is akin to a fine and survives as a charge on the estate. However, interim compensation under Section 143A\u2014which is awarded before conviction as a measure of interim relief\u2014does not survive the death of the accused who dies before the trial is concluded, because the very proceedings abate on such death and there is no established liability. Practitioners must bear this distinction in mind when advising clients on estate-related recoveries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-d-summary-of-the-legal-position-death-of-accused\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"D_Summary_of_the_Legal_Position_%E2%80%94_Death_of_Accused\"><\/span>D. Summary of the Legal Position \u2014 Death of Accused<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The legal consequences arising from the death of an accused under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act vary according to the stage of the criminal proceedings and the nature of the sentence imposed. The following table provides a quick reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Scenario<\/th><th>Legal Consequence<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Death during trial<\/strong><\/td><td>Proceedings abate entirely. No substitution of legal heirs as accused. The complainant may pursue a civil suit for recovery from the estate.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Death in appeal (imprisonment sentence only)<\/strong><\/td><td>Appeal abates. Near relatives may apply within 30 days under Section 394(2) CrPC proviso to continue the appeal, solely to clear the name of the deceased (<em>Sonelal Tiwari<\/em>).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Death in appeal (fine or composite sentence)<\/strong><\/td><td>Appeal does not abate in respect of fine. Legal heirs may continue to challenge the conviction (<em>M. Abbas Haji<\/em>; <em>Harnam Singh<\/em>). The estate remains liable for the fine\/compensation.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Interim Compensation (Section 143A NI Act)<\/strong><\/td><td>Not recoverable from estate on death before conclusion of trial (<em>Indranil Mukherjee<\/em>, Calcutta High Court, 2022).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Post-Conviction Compensation<\/strong><\/td><td>Recoverable from the estate as arrears of land revenue under Sections 421 and 431 CrPC (<em>Indranil Mukherjee<\/em>; <em>Bondada Gajapathi Rao<\/em>).<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-key-takeaways\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways\"><\/span>Key Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Criminal liability under Section 138 of the NI Act is personal and ordinarily ends with the death of the accused.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal heirs cannot ordinarily be substituted as accused during the trial.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Appeals involving a sentence of fine survive because the estate may remain liable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Near relatives may seek permission to continue an appeal to remove the stigma attached to the deceased.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interim compensation under Section 143A NI Act is not recoverable from the estate if the accused dies before the conclusion of the trial.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Post-conviction fine or compensation may be recovered from the estate in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-iii-death-of-the-complainant-continuation-by-legal-heirs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"III_Death_of_the_Complainant_%E2%80%94_Continuation_by_Legal_Heirs\"><\/span>III. Death of the Complainant \u2014 Continuation by Legal Heirs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-a-the-general-rule-0\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_The_General_Rule-2\"><\/span>A. The General Rule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike the death of the accused, the death of the complainant does not cause automatic abatement of proceedings under Section 138 of the NI Act. Section 138 proceedings, while criminal in form, are substantially civil in their object \u2014 they are designed to enforce payment of a debt or liability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The quasi-criminal nature of the proceedings means that the cause of action \u2014 dishonour of the cheque and the attendant financial grievance \u2014 survives the complainant&#8217;s death and may be prosecuted by legal heirs or representatives with the court&#8217;s permission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mechanism for continuation is provided by Section 302 of the CrPC (corresponding to Section 495 of the old Code of 1898), which empowers the magistrate to permit any person other than a police officer below the rank of inspector to conduct the prosecution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Legal heirs of a deceased complainant may invoke this provision to seek the court&#8217;s permission to step into the shoes of the original complainant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-key-legal-principles\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Legal_Principles\"><\/span>Key Legal Principles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Death of the complainant does <strong>not<\/strong> automatically terminate proceedings under Section 138 of the NI Act.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The cause of action survives because the proceedings substantially seek enforcement of a financial liability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal heirs or representatives may continue the prosecution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Permission of the magistrate under Section 302 CrPC is ordinarily required.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The magistrate has the discretion to permit eligible legal heirs or representatives to conduct the prosecution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-b-judicial-pronouncements-death-of-the-complainant\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"B_Judicial_Pronouncements_%E2%80%94_Death_of_the_Complainant\"><\/span>B. Judicial Pronouncements \u2014 Death of the Complainant<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Case<\/th><th>Principle Laid Down<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Ashwin Nanubhai Vyas v. State of Maharashtra<\/td><td>Foundation judgement permitting legal heirs to continue prosecution under Section 302 CrPC.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Jimmy Jahangir Madan v. Bolly Cariyappa Hindley (Dead) by LRs<\/td><td>Affirmed that heirs can continue prosecution and the issue is no longer res integra.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Balasaheb K. Thackeray v. Venkat @ Babru<\/td><td>Explained the procedural requirement of obtaining permission under Section 302 CrPC.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Chand Devi Daga v. Manju K. Humatani<\/td><td>Held that prosecution survives the complainant&#8217;s death and practical procedural flexibility may be adopted.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-1-ashwin-nanubhai-vyas-v-state-of-maharashtra\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Ashwin_Nanubhai_Vyas_v_State_of_Maharashtra\"><\/span>1. Ashwin Nanubhai Vyas v. State of Maharashtra<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Citation:<\/strong> AIR 1967 SC 983 | Supreme Court of India<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bench:<\/strong> Supreme Court of India<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The apex court observed thus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;The magistrate had the power to permit a relative to act as the complainant to continue the prosecution [under Section 495 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898]&#8230; Section 247 [now Section 256 CrPC] does not furnish any valid analogy for abatement&#8230; It occurs in Chapter XX dealing with the trial of summons cases&#8230; [and] can only happen in the trial of cases punishable with imprisonment of less than one year and cannot furnish a valid analogy for other situations.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance:<\/strong> This is the foundational Supreme Court authority on continuation of prosecution after the complainant&#8217;s death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court rejected the argument that Section 247 of the old CrPC (now Section 256 CrPC) \u2014 which provides for acquittal if the complainant is absent \u2014 required abatement on death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It affirmed the magistrate&#8217;s power under Section 495 (now Section 302 CrPC) to permit a relative to continue the prosecution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This principle has been consistently applied in all subsequent cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-jimmy-jahangir-madan-v-bolly-cariyappa-hindley-dead-by-lrs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Jimmy_Jahangir_Madan_v_Bolly_Cariyappa_Hindley_Dead_by_LRs\"><\/span>2. Jimmy Jahangir Madan v. Bolly Cariyappa Hindley (Dead) by LRs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Citation:<\/strong> (2004) 12 SCC 509 | Supreme Court of India<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bench:<\/strong> Supreme Court of India<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The apex court, after discussion, held thus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;The question as to whether the heirs of the complainant can be allowed to file an application under Section 302 of the Code to continue the prosecution is no longer res integra, as the same has been concluded by a decision of this Court in the case of Ashwin Nanubhai Vyas v. State of Maharashtra, in which case the Court was dealing with a case under Section 495 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898&#8230; It was laid down that upon the death of the complainant, under the provisions of Section 495 of the said Code, the mother of the complainant could be allowed to continue the prosecution. It was further laid down that she could make the application either herself or through a pleader.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance:<\/strong> This case affirmed that the right of heirs to continue prosecution via Section 302 CrPC is no longer open to question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It further extended the principle from a near relative (mother) to heirs generally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-3-balasaheb-k-thackeray-v-venkat-babru\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Balasaheb_K_Thackeray_v_Venkat_Babru\"><\/span>3. Balasaheb K. Thackeray v. Venkat @ Babru<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Citation:<\/strong> (2006) 5 SCC 530 | MANU\/SC\/8218\/2006 | Decided: 5 July 2006<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bench:<\/strong> Supreme Court of India; Arijit Pasayat, J.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Apex Court summed up as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To bring in the application of Section 302 of the Code, permission to conduct prosecution has to be obtained from the magistrate enquiring into or trying a case. The magistrate is empowered to permit prosecution to be conducted by any person other than a police officer below the rank of inspector, but no person other than the advocate-general or the government advocate or a public prosecutor or assistant public prosecutor shall be entitled to do so without such permission. Above being the position, if any permission is sought for by the legal heirs of the deceased complainant to continue prosecution, the same shall be considered in its perspective by the court dealing with the matter.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance:<\/strong> This decision by the Supreme Court set out the procedural framework for continuation of prosecution by legal heirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court held that upon the death of the complainant, the heirs must apply under Section 302 CrPC for permission, which the magistrate is obligated to consider on its merits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court expressly declined to dismiss the proceedings merely on account of the complainant&#8217;s death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-4-chand-devi-daga-v-manju-k-humatani\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Chand_Devi_Daga_v_Manju_K_Humatani\"><\/span>4. Chand Devi Daga v. Manju K. Humatani<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Citation:<\/strong> (2018) 1 SCC 71 | AIR 2017 SC 5126 | Criminal Appeal No. 1860 of 2017 | Decided: 3 November 2017<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bench:<\/strong> Supreme Court of India; A.K. Sikri &amp; Ashok Bhushan, JJ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The apex court held thus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;It is impliedly acknowledged that the victim of a crime may die, but the crime committed against him does not. Nor does the guilt of the offender get washed away only because the victim is no more. On the contrary, the offender would still remain liable to be prosecuted for his deeds and punished if found guilty.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance:<\/strong> This judgement reaffirmed and elaborated upon Balasaheb K. Thackeray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court held that the statutory intent of the CrPC is not to foreclose the right of a person to continue with the prosecution on the death of the complainant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It also held that where heirs themselves have not filed the continuation application but their power-of-attorney holders have, the court may still allow the prosecution to continue, recognising practical realities of litigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-quick-reference-summary\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Reference_Summary\"><\/span>Quick Reference Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Issue<\/th><th>Legal Position<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Does the complaint abate on the complainant&#8217;s death?<\/td><td>No.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Can legal heirs continue the proceedings?<\/td><td>Yes, with the magistrate&#8217;s permission under Section 302 CrPC.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Leading authority<\/td><td>Ashwin Nanubhai Vyas v. State of Maharashtra.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Procedure<\/td><td>An application under Section 302 CrPC before the magistrate.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Underlying principle<\/td><td>The financial cause of action survives the complainant&#8217;s death, and the prosecution may continue through legal heirs.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-iv-practical-implications-and-procedural-recommendations\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"IV_Practical_Implications_and_Procedural_Recommendations\"><\/span>IV. Practical Implications and Procedural Recommendations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-a-for-legal-heirs-of-a-deceased-complainant\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_For_Legal_Heirs_of_a_Deceased_Complainant\"><\/span>A. For Legal Heirs of a Deceased Complainant<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>File an application under Section 302 CrPC before the court seized of the matter at the earliest opportunity, seeking permission to continue the prosecution. Delay may invite dismissal under Section 256(1) CrPC for non-appearance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Obtain a succession certificate, legal heir certificate, or letters of administration as may be required by the court to establish status.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where prosecution cannot be continued, pursue a civil suit for recovery of the cheque amount from the accused within the limitation period (ordinarily three years from accrual of cause of action under the Limitation Act, 1963).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Note that continuation by one legal heir against another legal heir (where family members are on opposing sides) has been held permissible: <strong>Sanjit Kumar Mishra v. Ranjit Mishra<\/strong> (Orissa High Court).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-b-for-legal-heirs-of-a-deceased-accused\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"B_For_Legal_Heirs_of_a_Deceased_Accused\"><\/span>B. For Legal Heirs of a Deceased Accused<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Where the accused dies during trial, bring this to the court&#8217;s immediate notice so that proceedings are formally recorded as abated. The complainant cannot then proceed in the criminal case.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where the deceased has been convicted and a fine or compensation imposed, heirs who wish to protect the estate must file an appeal or application under Section 394(2) CrPC to challenge the conviction, demonstrating that the predecessor was not guilty (<strong>M. Abbas Haji<\/strong>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applications under Section 394(2) CrPC for near relatives (to clear a stigma) should ordinarily be filed within 30 days of death, though courts have condoned delay on sufficient cause (<strong>Sonelal Tiwari<\/strong>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heirs should note that only post-conviction compensation (not interim compensation under Section 143A) is recoverable from the estate \u2014 an important distinction for estate planning and litigation strategy (<strong>Indranil Mukherjee<\/strong>, Calcutta HC, 2022).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Civil liability of the estate extends only to the extent of the assets inherited; there is no personal liability imposed on heirs beyond their share of the estate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-c-for-complainants-whose-accused-has-died\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"C_For_Complainants_Whose_Accused_Has_Died\"><\/span>C. For Complainants Whose Accused Has Died<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pursue civil recovery immediately. File a civil suit or invoke available civil remedies against the estate of the deceased within the applicable limitation period.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>File a claim in succession proceedings or against the administrator\/executor of the estate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Note that the criminal avenue is foreclosed, but the contractual\/civil cause of action for the underlying debt survives independently of the NI Act proceedings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-quick-procedural-checklist\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Procedural_Checklist\"><\/span>Quick Procedural Checklist<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Situation<\/th><th>Recommended Action<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Death of complainant<\/td><td>Apply under Section 302 CrPC to continue prosecution.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Death of accused during trial<\/td><td>Inform the court immediately; criminal proceedings abate.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Death of accused after conviction<\/td><td>Legal heirs may invoke Section 394(2) of the CrPC to challenge conviction.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cheque amount recovery<\/td><td>Pursue civil remedies against the estate within limitation.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-v-master-citation-table\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"V_Master_Citation_Table\"><\/span>V. Master Citation Table<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following table sets out the full citation, bench, and relevance of all cases referenced in this article:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Case Name<\/th><th>Full Citation<\/th><th>Court \/ Bench<\/th><th>Relevance<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>K. Bhaskaran v. Sankaran Vaidhyan Balan<\/strong><\/td><td>(1999) 7 SCC 510; AIR 1999 SC 3762; Criminal Appeal No. 1015 of 1999; Decided: 29.09.1999<\/td><td>Supreme Court of India; K.T. Thomas &amp; M.B. Shah, JJ.<\/td><td>Elements of S.138 offence; personal nature of liability<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dashrath Rupsingh Rathod v. State of Maharashtra<\/strong><\/td><td>(2014) 9 SCC 129; Decided: 01.08.2014<\/td><td>Supreme Court (3-Judge Bench); T.S. Thakur, Vikramjit Sen &amp; C. Nagappan, JJ.<\/td><td>Overruled Bhaskaran on territorial jurisdiction; only place of dishonour confers jurisdiction<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Sonelal Tiwari v. State of Madhya Pradesh<\/strong><\/td><td>AIR 2009 SC 760; Criminal Appeal (SC)<\/td><td>Supreme Court of India<\/td><td>Widow allowed to resuscitate appeal under S.394(2) CrPC to remove stigma of corruption conviction<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>M. Abbas Haji v. T.N. Channakeshava<\/strong><\/td><td>(2019) 9 SCC 606; Criminal Appeal No. 664 of 2012; Decided: 19.09.2019<\/td><td>Supreme Court of India; Deepak Gupta &amp; Aniruddha Bose, JJ.<\/td><td>Legal heirs not liable for fine\/imprisonment but can challenge conviction to show innocence of the predecessor.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bondada Gajapathi Rao v. State of Andhra Pradesh<\/strong><\/td><td>AIR 1964 SC 1645; 1964 SCR (7) 251; Criminal Appeal No. 179 of 1961; Decided: 16.03.1964<\/td><td>Supreme Court (3-Judge Bench); Sarkar, Hidayatullah &amp; Mudholkar, JJ.<\/td><td>Foundational: appeal may continue if sentence affects estate; interest of legal heirs in fine-related proceedings<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Harnam Singh v. State of Himachal Pradesh<\/strong><\/td><td>(1975) 3 SCC 343; AIR 1975 SC 236; 1975 SCR (2) 823; Decided: 21.11.1974<\/td><td>Supreme Court of India; Y.V. Chandrachud &amp; P.N. Bhagwati, JJ.<\/td><td>Composite sentence of imprisonment + fine: appeal abates only for imprisonment, not for the fine.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Indranil Mukherjee v. State of West Bengal<\/strong><\/td><td>CRR No. 1555 of 2021; 2022 LiveLaw (Cal) 145; Decided: 21.04.2022<\/td><td>Calcutta High Court; Kausik Chanda, J.<\/td><td>Post-conviction compensation under S.138 is recoverable from the estate, but interim compensation under S.143A is NOT recoverable from estate of accused who died before conclusion of the trial.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ashwin Nanubhai Vyas v. State of Maharashtra<\/strong><\/td><td>AIR 1967 SC 983; Supreme Court of India<\/td><td>Supreme Court of India<\/td><td>A mother\/relative of deceased complainant may be permitted to continue prosecution under S.495 of old CrPC (= S.302 new CrPC)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Jimmy Jahangir Madan v. Bolly Cariyappa Hindley (Dead) by LRs<\/strong><\/td><td>(2004) 12 SCC 509<\/td><td>Supreme Court of India<\/td><td>The heir of complainant can file petition under S.302 CrPC to continue prosecution<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Balasaheb K. Thackeray v. Venkat @ Babru<\/strong><\/td><td>(2006) 5 SCC 530; MANU\/SC\/8218\/2006; Decided: 05.07.2006<\/td><td>Supreme Court of India; Arijit Pasayat, J.<\/td><td>Framework for continuation of prosecution by heirs on complainant&#8217;s death: S.302 CrPC mechanism<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Chand Devi Daga v. Manju K. Humatani<\/strong><\/td><td>(2018) 1 SCC 71; AIR 2017 SC 5126; Criminal Appeal No. 1860 of 2017; Decided: 03.11.2017<\/td><td>Supreme Court of India; A.K. Sikri &amp; Ashok Bhushan, JJ.<\/td><td>Confirmed legal heirs of complainant can continue prosecution through S.302 CrPC<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ramesan v. State of Kerala<\/strong><\/td><td>(2020) 3 SCC 45<\/td><td>Supreme Court of India<\/td><td>An appeal does not abate on death even for composite sentence of fine and imprisonment under S.431 CrPC<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-vi-conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"VI_Conclusion\"><\/span>VI. Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The death of a party to proceedings under Section 138 of the NI Act raises distinct consequences depending upon whether it is the accused or the complainant who has died. When the accused dies during trial, proceedings abate and the criminal avenue closes, with civil recovery from the estate as the only remaining remedy. When the accused dies after conviction, legal heirs may challenge the conviction in appeal \u2014 not to expose themselves to liability, but to clear the name of their predecessor; fines and compensation, however, remain recoverable from the estate. When the complainant dies, the proceedings need not end: heirs may apply under Section 302 CrPC for permission to continue the prosecution, and courts are bound to consider such applications on their merits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The evolving jurisprudence of the Supreme Court \u2014 from the foundational principle in <strong>Bondada Gajapathi Rao (1964)<\/strong> and <strong>Harnam Singh (1975)<\/strong>, through the clear Section 138-specific ruling in <strong>M. Abbas Haji (2019)<\/strong>, to the nuanced distinction between interim and final compensation in <strong>Indranil Mukherjee (2022)<\/strong> \u2014 reflects a consistent attempt to balance the personal nature of criminal liability with the civil and compensatory objectives that distinguish Section 138 from ordinary penal provisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practitioners are advised to act promptly on the death of any party, whether by notifying the court, filing substitution applications, or pivoting to civil remedies, so as to safeguard the interests of their clients within the time limits prescribed by the CrPC and the Limitation Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-key-takeaways-0\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways-2\"><\/span>Key Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Death of the accused during trial results in abatement of criminal proceedings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal heirs of a deceased complainant may continue prosecution under Section 302 CrPC with the court&#8217;s permission.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal heirs of a deceased convicted accused may challenge the conviction under Section 394(2) CrPC.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only post-conviction fine and compensation are recoverable from the estate, subject to applicable law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Civil remedies remain available even where criminal proceedings cannot continue.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prompt procedural action is essential to protect legal rights and limitation periods.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-related-links yoast-seo-related-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/legal-heir-certificate-format\/\">Legal Heir Certificate Format<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/are-the-legal-heirs-liable-to-repay-debt-which-had-been-guaranteed-by-the-deceased-parent\/\">Are the legal heirs liable to repay debt which had been guaranteed by the deceased parent?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/file-inheritance-case-dubai-2026-guide-expats\/\">How to Start an Inheritance Case in Dubai Step by Step: A Guide for Inheritance Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/sentencing-in-india-principles-judicial-trends\/\">The Evolving Landscape of Sentencing in India: Principles, Judicial Trends, and the Road Ahead<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-divine-balance-understanding-the-wisdom-and-structure-of-islamic-inheritance\/\">The Divine Balance: Understanding the Wisdom and Structure of Islamic Inheritance<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I. Introduction Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (&#8220;the NI Act&#8221;) creates a quasi-criminal offence for dishonour of a cheque issued in discharge of a legally enforceable debt or liability. The provision blends penal consequences \u2014 including imprisonment of up to two years \u2014 with civil recovery mechanisms such as fines and compensation,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":73,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[4765],"class_list":["post-27179","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-banking-finance-laws","tag-banking-finance-laws"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - 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