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Issues Involved:
The judgment involves the quashment of criminal proceedings against the petitioner, who is the fourth accused in three cases under section 138 read with section 142 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. Details of the Judgment: Issue 1: Allegations against the Petitioner The complainant alleges that the petitioner, as part of a partnership firm, issued cheques that were later dishonored. The petitioner claims to have retired from the firm before the cheques were issued and argues that she should not be held liable. Issue 2: Retirement of the Petitioner The petitioner asserts that she retired from the partnership firm before the issuance of the cheques and had informed the Income Tax Department about her retirement. She argues that she was not involved in the day-to-day affairs of the firm and should not be prosecuted under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Issue 3: Legal Obligations of Partners The complainant argues that the petitioner did not follow the legal requirements for retirement from an unregistered partnership firm, as per sections 45 and 72 of the Partnership Act, which state that public notice must be given to dissolve liability. Issue 4: Sufficiency of Allegations The court examines whether the allegations against the petitioner are sufficient to prosecute her under section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. It is determined that the vague allegations do not establish the petitioner's active role in the firm's business to warrant criminal liability. Conclusion: The court quashes the criminal proceedings against the petitioner, ruling that the vague allegations and lack of evidence of her active involvement in the partnership firm's business do not justify prosecution under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
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