ORDER :

The petitioners are arraigned as accused Nos.3 and 4 in CC No.517/2017 and 518/2017 respectively on the file of the I Addl. Civil Judge and JMFC, Ballari.

2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners. Respondent is served but unrepresented.

3. Respondent herein filed a private complaint against accused Nos.1 to 5 alleging offence punishable under Sections 138 and 142 of Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (for short, ‘NI Act’). It is alleged that accused No.1 to 5 being the Directors of the Company registered under the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956, borrowed a business finance in a sum of Rs.15 lakhs and Rs.20 lakhs respectively and in discharge of the said liability, issued cheques for the said amount, which on presentation came to be dishonoured for the reasons that “payment stopped by drawer” and thereby committed aforesaid offences.

4. Insofar as CC No.517/2017 is concerned, it is alleged that cheque bearing No.178665 dated 10.04.2017 for Rs.15 lakhs drawn on State Bank of India, Hosapete Branch was issued by accused No.2 and the said cheque on presentation to the Bank was dishonoured and thereafter, the complainant issued a legal notice dated 22.04.2017 calling up