JUDGMENT :

Madan B. Lokur, J. –

1. The question arising for consideration in these appeals relates to the alleged failure (and consequential effect) of Pradip Sarkar to specifically state in his complaint filed under Sections 138 and 141

of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 that the appellants/accused persons were in charge of and responsible for the conduct of the business of M/s. Heritage Herbs Ltd. of which they were said to be Directors.

2. In a complaint filed on 31st March, 2001, Pradip Sarkar alleged that Heritage Herbs had made an offer for collecting money from the market with a view to allot land to the intending investors. On the basis of the offer made, Pradip Sarkar invested an amount of Rs.1,50,000/- and Heritage Herbs issued three receipt-cum-allotment letters for three plots of land to Pradip Sarkar. At the time of handing over the receipt-cum-allotment letters, Pradip Sarkar was also handed over three cheques of Rs. 61,000/- each post dated to 29th October, 2000. These cheques were issued by Heritage Herbs and were signed by Raj Kumar Chamaria as Chairman of the said concern.

3. All the three cheques were deposited by Pradip Sarkar but were

dishonoured by the concern