B. Sudershan Reddy, J. - This is an application filed under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to quash the proceedings in C.C. No 897 of 1996 on the file of the learned XIth Metropolitan Magistrate. Secunderabad. The petitioners are the accused in C.C. No. 897 of 1996. The first respondent petitioner is the company incorporated under the Companies Act. Respondents 2 to 7 (Petitioners) are the Directors of the Company.

2. The respondents herein filed complaint to punish the petitioners accused for having committed an offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act (for short 'the Act'). The allegations levelled in the complaint may briefly be noticed.

3. The accused-Company is a tenant of the complainant on a monthly rent of Rs. 1,80,095-40 (Rupees one lakh eighty thousand ninety five and paise forty only). It is also alleged that the accused issued the following cheques towards rent, payable by it to the complainant.

(1) Cheque dated 16-4-1996 for a sum of Rs. 1,00,000/- drawn on Prudential Cooperative Urban Bank Limited.

(2) Cheque dated 5-2-1996 for a sum of Rs. 1,80,095-40 Ps. drawn on S.B.H. Gunfoundry Branch.

(3) Cheque dated 5-3-1996 for a sum of R