Victims in Cheque Bounce Cases Can Now Appeal Acquittals Directly in District Courts: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court has ruled that Victims in cheque bounce cases (u/s 138 NI) may directly appeal acquittal orders by Judicial Magistrates to District Courts without seeking leave from the High Court.

Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan issued the directive on June 30, 2025, effective July 7.  The High Court Registry has notified lawyers and litigants that leave petitions for such appeals will no longer be entertained.

This procedural shift follows the Supreme Court's decision in Celestium Financial v. A. Gnanasekaran (2025), which recognized complainants as "victims" under Section 2(wa) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, entitled to an unconditional right to prefer an appeal under Section 374, CrPC.