1The petitioners herein have filed the present petitions under S.482, Cr.P.C. for quashing the criminal complaints lodged against them under S.200, Cr. P.C. and S.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 6 the business of finance under hire - purchase and leasing and the complainant is represented by its Legal Officer Authorised Signatory.

2It 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 complainant. When they were presented for honour, they were returned with an endorsement "Refer to Drawer." Thereafter, the complainant issued legal notices under S.138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act . Notices were

Click Here to Read the rest of this document