A bounced cheque, also known as a dishonored cheque, can lead to serious legal consequences in the UAE. If you find yourself in such a situation, it is crucial to follow the appropriate legal procedures to recover your dues or defend yourself against legal action. One of the key requirements is ensuring that all necessary documents, including the cheque and the bank’s cheque return receipt, are legally translated before submission to the court.
Legal Steps to Take When a Cheque Bounces
- Obtain the Cheque Return Receipt
When a cheque is dishonored, the bank issues a cheque return receipt stating the reason for the bounce (e.g., insufficient funds, account closed, signature mismatch,etc ). This document is critical for any legal proceedings. - Send a Legal Notice
Before taking legal action, the payee (recipient of the cheque) can send a formal legal notice to the issuer, demanding payment within a stipulated period. This serves as an official request before escalating the matter. - Legal Translation of Documents
If you intend to file a case in UAE courts, all documents, including the bounced cheque and cheque return receipt, must be legally translated into Arabic. UAE courts only accept documents in Arabic, and a certified legal translation ensures the documents are accurately presented before the court. - File a Police Complaint
If the issuer does not respond to the legal notice, the payee can file a police complaint in the emirate where the cheque was issued. The police may summon the issuer and request payment or initiate legal proceedings. - Initiate Civil or Criminal Action
- Criminal Case: Under UAE law, issuing a bounced cheque can lead to fines or imprisonment, depending on the amount and circumstances.
- Civil Case: If the payee wishes to recover the cheque amount, they may file a civil case demanding payment through the courts.
The Importance of Legal Translation in Bounced Cheque Cases
Since legal proceedings in the UAE require documents to be in Arabic, certified legal translation is mandatory. The cheque, cheque return receipt, and any supporting documents must be accurately translated to avoid delays or legal complications. A professional legal translation service ensures:
- Accuracy in translating financial and legal terms.
- Compliance with UAE legal standards.
- Official certification for court submission.
Frequently asked question (F a Q)
1.Is it necessary to translate the cheque to Arabic ?
Ans : Yes, in order to submit the cheque to the court it is necessary to translate the cheque to Arabic.
2. What are the legal consequences of leaving the UAE when there is a returned cheque case filed against me ?
Ans: Travel ban,Legal Actions, Arrest warrant , Extradation , Future Restriction are some of the consequences of leaving UAE in this case
3. what are the other documents that need to be translated to forward with case ?
Ans: The Bounced cheque , cheque return receipt ,and required personal or company details if needed .
