Indian Bank Association & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors.
Supreme Court of India(2014) 5 SCC 590The Supreme Court issued comprehensive directions to address the pendency of over 18 lakh S.138 cases. Directed: (i) High Courts to monitor pendency and disposal rates of NI Act cases through designated nodal judges; (ii) States to consider establishing fast-track courts exclusively for S.138 cases; (iii) service of summons through speed post and courier as permitted under S.144 NI Act to be the rule; (iv) trial courts to fix dates on a day-to-day basis in S.138 trials after framing of the case; and (v) NI Act cases should be disposed of within 6 months from filing of the complaint, in consonance with the legislative intent of expeditious disposal.