JUDGMENT

Bibek Chaudhuri, J. - The judgment and order of acquittal passed in complaint case No. C-16191 of 2013 passed by the learned Metropolitan Magistrate, 3rd Court, Kolkata have been assailed in the instant appeal on the ground that the learned Magistrate erred in law and fact holding, inter alia, that notice under Section 138(b) of the Negotiable Instrument Act, 1981 was not served upon the respondents/accused persons.

2. The factual matrix leading to filing of the instant appeal is that in discharge of legally enforceable liability the respondent No.2 being one of the directors and authorized signatory of the respondent No.1/company issued a cheque amounting to Rs.20 lakhs on 15th March, 2013 drawn on Axis Bank Limited, Barabazar Branch, Kolkata in favour of the complainant/company on 15th March, 2013. The said cheque was deposited for encashment with the banker of the complainant/company, but it was dishonoured on the ground 'funds insufficient' on 16th March, 2013. This led the complainant to issue a notice through his learned Advocate on 11th April, 2013 and 16th April, 2013 respectively requesting the respondents to make payment of the said sum of Rs.20 lakhs within a peri