Sections 143A and 148: interim compensation vs appeal deposit

Section 143A concerns interim compensation during trial at the specified plea/charge stages. The court may order payment, with a ceiling of 20% of the cheque amount. In Rakesh Ranjan Shrivastava (15 March 2024), the Supreme Court explained that the power is discretionary and requires consideration of relevant circumstances. 'Up to 20%' is not a rule that every complainant automatically receives 20% when the complaint is filed.

Section 148 applies to an appeal by the drawer against conviction under section 138. The statutory deposit provision refers to at least 20% of the fine or compensation awarded by the trial court, additional to interim compensation paid under section 143A. The base and procedural stage therefore differ. Muskan Enterprises (19 December 2024), discussing Jamboo Bhandari, recognises reasoned exceptions rather than a mechanically imposed deposit in every case.

Both sections specify 60 days for the directed payment/deposit and a possible further period up to 30 days on sufficient cause. They also contain provisions for return with interest after acquittal, operating in their respective settings. Read the court's actual order, the applicable subsection and any extension; neither percentage is a substitute for the final adjudication or a general advance-payment entitlement.