A bounced cheque isn't just an inconvenience under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act; it can be a criminal offence for the person who issued it.

Here's the catch: you can't rush to court immediately. The law requires a fixed process to be followed first, step by step, before a complaint can even be filed.

Steps to Take When a Cheque Bounces
1. Get the bank's official 'cheque return memo '; it records the reason for dishonour (e.g., insufficient funds)..
2. Send a legal notice to the person who issued the cheque within 30 days of the bounce, demanding payment.
3. Wait 15 days from the date they receive the notice; this is their last chance to pay before further action.
4. If they still don't pay, file a criminal complaint under Section 138 within 30 days after the 15-day window ends.
5. Keep the original cheque, return memo, and notice copy ready as evidence for the complaint.

Don't let a bounced cheque become a lost cause. A verified lawyer on Vakil Advocate can draft your legal notice correctly and on time. Connect with one today.

In Prajwala v. Union of India (2026), the Supreme Court held that survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation have a constitutional right to rehabilitation under Article 21 (right to life with dignity) read with Article 23 (prohibition of trafficking). The Court issued a detailed, nationwide “Victim Protection Plan” covering every stage from rescue to legal aid, medical and psychological support, and long-term reintegration, and made clear that survivors cannot be forced to cooperate with police as a condition for support. This shifts rehabilitation from a discretionary government scheme to something survivors can legally demand and enforce.

What Survivors and Concerned Citizens Can Do
1. If you or someone you know is a trafficking survivor, know that legal aid and rehabilitation support cannot legally be denied or conditioned on cooperating with an investigation.
2. Approach the nearest Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), Child Welfare Committee (for minors), or a One Stop Centre for immediate protection and support.
3. Free legal representation is available at every stage ask for it explicitly if it isn't offered.
4. If a rehabilitation home or authority denies proper care, this judgment (2026 INSC 609) can be cited to demand compliance.
5. If you suspect trafficking is occurring, report it to the local AHTU or police you don't need proof of a crime to raise a concern.

Rehabilitation is now a right, not a favour. If you need help understanding what support a survivor is legally entitled to, a verified lawyer on Vakil Advocate can guide you through it.

Short answer: usually, no, not without following due process. Most employment contracts and the Industrial Disputes Act require a notice period or notice pay, plus a valid, documented reason for termination.
Verbal warnings, sudden access revocation, or a one-line message aren't a substitute for proper procedure, especially if you've been performing your role without prior written warnings.

Steps to Take If You're Wrongfully Terminated
1. Save every email, message, appraisal record, and the termination communication itself.
2. Check your appointment letter/contract for the required notice period or notice pay clause.
3. Send a written response to your employer asking for the reason for termination in writing.
4. If dues, notice pay, or procedure weren't honoured, send a legal notice demanding compliance.
5. If unresolved, approach the Labour Commissioner or file a case before the Labour Court/Industrial Tribunal.

An unfair termination can cost you more than a job it can cost your notice pay, dues, and reputation. Talk to a verified employment lawyer on Vakil Advocate before signing anything

Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, every buyer has the right to a genuine product, accurate information, and a fair remedy — replacement, repair, or refund — when something goes wrong.
You don't always need a lawyer to get started — but knowing the right steps saves weeks of back-and-forth with customer care

Steps to File a Consumer Complaint
1. Keep your bill, warranty card, and any chat/email proof of the issue.
2. First, raise a written complaint with the seller or company, and note their response time.
3. If unresolved, file a complaint on the National Consumer Helpline or the e-Daakhil portal.
4. For higher-value claims, approach the appropriate Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (District, State, or National, based on claim amount).
5. For complex cases — insurance denials, builder disputes, faulty big-ticket purchases — get a consumer lawyer to draft the complaint for stronger impact.

Whether it's a 500 refund or a 5 lakh claim, you have a right to be heard. Vakil Advocate can connect you with a consumer law expert to help you file it right.

E-commerce Transactions Rules + Consumer Protection Act cover:
Seller must deliver goods as described
Money must be refunded if goods are not delivered
Platform is liable if seller not verified
Cyber fraud is a criminal offence (FIR can be filed)

What You Can Do:
1. Screenshots & proof: Save all messages, payment proof, product images
2. File a complaint with the e-commerce platform (usually 7-30 days response time)
3. If no refund: File a Consumer Complaint (can be done online)
4. For larger fraud: File an FIR under IPC Section 420 (cheating)
5. Report to Cyber Crime Cell (most states have online reporting)
6. Demand: Refund + compensation + damages

Speed: Consumer courts often order refunds within weeks.
Defrauded online? Get a cyber/consumer lawyer on Vakil Advocate to recover your money today.