New Delhi, July 2025 —
Tension is simmering in the corridors of Delhi's district courts as hundreds of lawyers have taken to protest against the recent decision by the Delhi High Court to transfer cheque bounce (Section 138 NI Act) cases from district courts to a centralized special court at Rouse Avenue.
With placards in hand reading “How Do We Earn a Living?” and “Don’t Snatch Our Bread and Butter,” lawyers from all major bar associations—including Tis Hazari, Saket, Karkardooma, and Dwarka courts—gathered outside the court premises, staging peaceful dharnas and processions. The move, they say, directly impacts their daily practice and livelihood.
The Heart of the Matter: What’s the Issue?
In a notification issued recently, the Delhi High Court decided that all cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act—relating to dishonoured cheques—will now be heard only at the Rouse Avenue Court, which is centrally located. The idea behind this is to create a specialized court for faster and more efficient disposal of such cases.
But for local lawyers practicing at district levels, this has triggered a storm.
“These cases are our daily bread. Most junior lawyers rely heavily on cheque bounce matters to earn and gain court experience. If everything shifts to one court, what happens to lawyers across the city?” said Advocate Ramesh Sharma, a senior lawyer at Karkardooma Court.
Why Are Lawyers Upset?
Lawyers argue the transfer will lead to:
- Loss of Income: Many small-scale and junior lawyers rely on Section 138 cases for a steady stream of work.
- Overburdening One Court: Centralizing all matters could result in overcrowding and delays instead of speedy disposal.
- Access Issues for Litigants: People from remote parts of Delhi may find it hard to travel to Rouse Avenue regularly for their hearings.
- Impact on Local Bar Associations: The shift could weaken the importance of district courts and local bars.
“We are not against judicial reform, but this has been done without any consultation with us. The voices of the grassroots lawyers are being ignored,” said Advocate Priya Mehta from Saket Bar Association.
Bar Associations Demand Immediate Rollback
In response to the notification, several Bar Associations have passed resolutions calling for an immediate rollback of the transfer. Many have also threatened to escalate the protest and go on indefinite strike if the decision is not reconsidered.
The Delhi Bar Council has also taken cognizance of the matter and urged the High Court to engage in a dialogue with the representatives of the lawyers' bodies.
High Court’s Stand
The Delhi High Court maintains that the move is aimed at speedy justice and consistency in orders related to cheque bounce matters. The Rouse Avenue Court, being a centralized modern complex, is well-equipped to handle the influx, said court sources.
However, lawyers insist reforms should not come at the cost of “justice for the legal fraternity.”
: Section 138 NI Act (Cheque Bounce Cases)
- Governs the punishment when a cheque is dishonoured due to insufficient funds.
- Punishable with up to 2 years’ imprisonment or fine or both.
- Common and frequent case in Indian courts, especially between individuals, traders, and small businesses.
The battle is far from over. As Delhi’s lawyers gear up for a longer fight, the larger debate on reform versus livelihood continues in India’s legal system.
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