The presumption under Section 139 of The Negotiable Instruments Act can be rebutted by evidence, and the lack of documentation for a loan transaction can impact the credibility of the claim under Section 138.

INDERJIT SINGH, J.

1. Applicant-Punit Kumar has filed this application under Section 378(4) Cr.P.C. seeking permission for leave to appeal against respondent Mohan Lal (Binder), challenging the impugned judgment dated 24.03.2015 passed by learned Judicial Magistrate Ist Class, Chandigarh, whereby the accused-respondent was acquitted.

2. It is mainly stated in the application that accompanying appeal is being filed which is likely to succeed on the grounds taken therein. The applicant has mentioned the facts in detail. It is also stated in the application that learned trial Court has wrongly and illegally disbelieved the evidence led by the applicant, though the applicant has completely proved his case against the respondent. It is, therefore, prayed that leave to appeal be granted.

3. I have heard learned counsel for the applicant and have gone through the record.

4. As per the record, the complainant Punit Kumar filed a complaint against Mohan Lal (Binder) under Section 138 of The Negotiable Instruments Act. As per complainant's version, he advanced friendly loan of Rs. 60,000/- on 03.07.2013 to the accused. In order to discharge his legal liability towards said loan, the accused issued post dated cheque No.813469 dated 18.07.2013 for Rs. 60,000/-, which on presentation for encashment, was returned back unpaid with the remarks 'funds insufficient'. Legal notice was served upon the accused. When the amount was not paid, then the complaint was filed within time.

5. Learned JMIC, Chandigarh, after appreciating the evidence, acquitted the accused-respondent vide impugned judgment dated 24.03.2015.

6. From the record, I find that the complainant examined himself as CW-1 and in his cross-examination, he stated that he has been working as Mechanic of air-conditioners from his house. He is not having any shop or workshop qua his aforesaid work. He has been earning approximately Rs. 10,000/- per month and he is not an income tax assessee. He further stated in cross-examination that he is having 8 acres of agricultural land. He has filed four complaints under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments act. He has not obtained any interest from the accused against the said loan. He also stated that Sh. Ram Kumar Walia is his paternal uncle, who is not doing any business. The complainant in cross-examination further deposed that the accused is neither known to him nor having any relationship with him. He is not aware about the native place and family members of the accused. He has advanced the said loan at his residence and he is not aware of the exact date of alleged advancement. He is not having any bank statement qua the alleged loan transaction. None else was present at the time of advancement. On the other hand, the accused denied all the allegations and deposed that the complainant is neither known to him nor having any relations with him. He met the complainant on behalf of Sh. Ram Kumar Walia at Government Press, Sector-18, where he was working as Vendor. He obtained Rs. 40,000/- from Sh. Ram Kumar Walia, who handed over Rs. 35,000/- as loan and deducted Rs. 5000/- qua file charges. Accused further deposed that he had repaid the entire loan amount to Sh. Ram Kumar Walia in instalments of Rs. 2000/- each in the year 2012. He also deposed that the cheque in question was handed over blank to Sh. Ram Kumar Walia and the complainant misused the said cheque in connivance with Sh. Ram Kumar Walia.

7. Accused also examined DW-1 Jaswant Singh, DW-2 Madan Lal, DW-3 Puran Singh and another Jaswant Singh as DW-4. All these DWs deposed regarding obtaining loan from Ram Kumar Walia. They also deposed that complainant Punit Kumar is nephew of Ram Kumar Walia and used to collect instalments on his behalf. All these DWs have supported the defence version taken by the accused in this case.

8. I have gone through the judgment dated 24.03.2015 passed by learned JMIC, Chandigarh. I find that the findings given by learned Magistrate are correct, as per