1. Heard Mr. Lohiya, learned counsel for the applicant, Mr. R.L. Khapre, learned counsel for respondent no.1 and Mrs. Wandile, learned A.P.P. for respondent no.2 in all the applications.

2. Rule. By consent heard forthwith.

3. All these applications under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure are being disposed of by common judgment since the facts as well as question of law involved are identical.

4. Respondent no.1 in all these applications filed Summary Criminal Case Nos. 6650/2003, 2548/2003, 4418/2003, 6651/2003, 9052/2003, 3105/2003, 4419/2003, 6652/2003, 3426/2003, 6649/2003, 2549/2003, 4417/2003, and 9051/2003 against the present applicant alleging commission of offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) since the cheques issued by the applicant were dishonoured. After issuance of process, the applicant filed separate applications in each of Criminal Case purporting to be under Section 259 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (hereinafter referred to as “the Code”) read with Section 143 of the Act. By these applications, the applicant-accused prayed that the c