Ramesh Madhav Bapat, J. – The -petitioners herein have filed the present petitions under Section 482, Cr. P.C. for quashing the criminal complaints lodged against them under Section 200, Cr. P.C. and Sections 138 and 142 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The petitioners herein were the accused in the criminal complaints. The first -respondent herein was the complainant in all the petitions. It was averred in the complaints that the complainant Company is incorporated under the Companies Act. 1956 having its Registered Office at Nagarjuna, Hills, Panjagutta, Hyderabad, engaged in the business of finance under hire-purchase and leasing and the complainant is represented by its Legal Officer Authorised Signatory.

2. It is further stated by the complainant in its complaints that the accused executed hire-purchase agreements in favour of the complainant and the amounts are payable as per the agreements. Some amounts were due to the complainant's company and therefore the accused issued cheques in favour of the complaint. When they were presented for honour, they were returned with an endorsement "Refer to Drawer".

Thereafter the complainant issued legal notices under Section 138