A.P. Bhangale, J.— The appeal is directed against the judgment and order dated 6.7.2006 passed by the Judicial Magistrate, FC, Nagpur (Special Court 2 Criminal Appeal 557/06 under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act) in Summary Criminal Case No.2543 of 2005 whereby the complaint was dismissed.

2. Briefly stated the facts are:

Complaint was filed on 29.11.2005 by the appellant against the respondent/accused complaining of an offence punishable under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The complainant had advanced a sum of Rs. 50,000 to the accused on account of acquaintance with him The accused had issued cheque bearing No.349135 dated 22.10.2005 drawn on the Nagpur Nagarik Sahakari Bank Limited, Itwari Branch, Nagpur for Rs. 50,000 which was admittedly signed by him. This cheque was presented by complainant to the UCO Bank, Sitabuldi Branch, Nagpur, but was returned back on 22.10.2005 with the remarks “account closed”. Legal notice dated 27.10.2005 had been issued to the respondent herein by registered post A/D calling upon the accused to make payment within fifteen days. After the expiry of the statutory period, payment having not been received, comp