M. Karpagavinayagam, J. – All these applications could be disposed of by a common order as the parties and the question of law involved are one and the same.

2. The main point urged in these petitions for quashing the proceedings initiated for the offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act by Mr. A. Natarajan, the counsel for the petitioners is that the cheques in question have been presented in the petitioners' bank after six months from the date on which they were drawn and so, the complaints are not maintainable.

3. The facts are these:- Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers Limited, the complainant/the respondent herein, is engaged in the business of manufacturing newsprint, writing paper and printing. The petitioners/accused being the publisher of Telugu Jatteya Dhina Patrika yartha (a Telugu Daily) placed certain orders with the complainant for the purchase of newsprint. Towards the discharge of the dues, the accused issued 77 cheques all drawn on Andhra Bank, Ashok Nagar Branch, Hyderabad. All the 77 cheques bear the dates from 23-7-1997 to 25-9-1997 for a total amount of Rs. 1,61,82,386-10. These cheques were presented for collection in the complainant'