Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Act, 2018. A bill to amend the Negotiable Instruments Act (Hereinafter referred to as “Act”) was recently passed by both the houses of parliament resulting into an amendment to the existing act. This new amendment has been brought into effect in order to pave the way for speedy disposal of cases pending due to unavoidable cheque bounce consequences. The provision of awarding interim compensation by the drawer of the cheque to the complainant has been introduced by bringing in a new section 143A in the Act. The interim compensation would be up to the maximum of 20% of the value of the cheque, as per the discretion of the court, in cases wherein the accused does not plead guilty in summary trial or summons cases. The interim compensation is required to be paid within 60 days of the order. In case of acquittal of accused after trial, the interim compensation has to be returned to the complainant with interest within 60 days from the date of su...