In a complaint under Sections 138 and 141 of the Negotiable Instruments Act alleging dishonour of cheques issued by a company, where the original complaint lacks any specific averment that a director (other than the signatories) was in charge of and responsible to the company for the conduct of its business, an amendment seeking to introduce such plea is not permissible. (!) [15000247620001][15000247620013] (!) This is not a mere clerical error or curable defect that courts can rectify using inherent powers under Section 482 CrPC, as subordinate courts lack broad inherent powers akin to those under CPC Order VI Rule 17.[15000247620003][15000247620008][15000247620014] Allowing the amendment would effect a substantial change in the complaint's nature and character, fundamentally impacting the accused's defence and causing serious prejudice, particularly since conviction could result in imprisonment.[15000247620013] (!) Proceedings under Section 138, though quasi-civil in some aspects, do not permit supplementation of foundational pleadings required under Section 141 after process issuance or plea recording.[15000247620006][15000247620012][15000247620020] The petition for amendment was accordingly dismissed. (!)