Choosing a lender offering the lowest home loan interest rate can significantly reduce your total repayment burden. In January 2026, several public sector banks continue to offer some of the most competitive rates, while private banks and housing finance companies focus on flexible eligibility and faster processing. Key Highlights:Home loan interest rates in January 2026 start from 7.35% p.a..Public sector banks continue to offer the lowest home loan interest rates for eligible borrowers.Your credit score, income stability, and loan profile directly impact the final rate offered.Lowest Home Loan Interest Rates 2026 Here are the top 10 banks offering cheapest home loan interest rates in India in 2026:Name of the BankInterest Rate Per Annum (As of January 2026)*Central Bank of India7.35% onwardsBank of India7.35% onwardsBank of Maharashtra7.35% onwardsIndian Overseas Bank7.35% onwardsCanara Bank7.40% onwardsIndian Bank7.40% onwardsUCO Bank7.40% onwardsBank of Baroda7.45% onwardsUnion Bank of India7.45% onwardsSaraswat Bank7.50% onwardsNote: Interest rates vary for each individual depending on the applicant profile, loan amount, and lender policies. Thus, check with the bank officials for the exact interest rate.Lowest Home Loan Interest Rates of Different Banks 2026The interest rate ranges listed below reflect lender-published slabs. The higher end of the range generally applies to borrowers with low credit scores, non-standard income profiles, higher loan-to-value ratios, or increased credit risk.Name of the BankInterest Rate*Processing FeeBank of Baroda7.45% to 10.20% p.a. Minimum ₹8,500 and maximum ₹25,000ICICI Bank8.75% to 11.80% p.a.Up to 2% of the loan amountHDFC Bank7.90% to 13.20% p.a.Up to 0.50% of the loan amount or ₹3,300 (whichever is higher)Axis Bank8.35% to 11.90% p.a.Up to 1.00% of the loan amount or ₹10,000 (whichever is higher)Punjab National Bank8.25% to 10.65% p.a.0.35% of the loan amount (minimum ₹2,500 and maximum ₹15,000) State Bank of India7.50% p.a. to 10.75% p.a.0.35% of the loan amount (minimum ₹2,000 and maximum ₹10,000)Kotak Mahindra Bank7.99% p.a.

Aadhaar card misuse refers to the unauthorised use of an individual’s Aadhaar details for fraud, identity theft, or illegal transactions. With Aadhaar linked to banking, mobile numbers, and government services, checking and reporting misuse of Aadhaar card details is essential to prevent financial loss and protect personal identity.Key HighlightsYou can check misuse of Aadhaar card details through the UIDAI authentication history feature.Locking Aadhaar biometrics helps prevent fraudulent use of fingerprints and iris data.Aadhaar misuse can be reported online, by email, or via UIDAI’s toll-free helpline.What is Aadhaar Card Fraud and its Potential Consequences?Aadhaar card fraud involves unauthorized access or manipulation of India's unique identification system. Consequences include financial losses, identity theft, and misuse of personal data for fraudulent activities. Victims may face difficulties in accessing services, financial transactions, or even legal implications. To mitigate risks, individuals should safeguard their Aadhaar details, report any suspicious activities promptly, and stay informed about security measures implemented by authorities. The government continually works to enhance security protocols to protect citizens from potential fraud associated with Aadhaar cards.Examples of Aadhaar Card Fraud CasesBelow are some of the examples of misuse of the Aadhaar card:Data Leakage From Unsecured SystemsWhen Aadhaar details submitted to private or government institutions are stored on unsecured servers or databases, hackers can gain unauthorised access. Stolen Aadhaar data can then be used to impersonate individuals, open fake accounts, or carry out illegal activities in their name.Biometric Misuse Through Aadhaar-Enabled Payment System (AePS)There have been multiple cases where criminals misused leaked Aadhaar biometric data to withdraw money using the Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS).

The SBI Annuity Deposit Scheme allows investors to earn predictable monthly income by depositing a lump sum with State Bank of India. Under this scheme, SBI repays the principal along with interest in fixed monthly instalments, making it suitable for retirees and investors seeking stable cash flow.Key HighlightsThe SBI Annuity Deposit Scheme provides fixed monthly income through EMI-style payouts.Investors make a one-time lump sum deposit and receive monthly repayments of principal and interest.Tenures range from 3 to 10 years, with interest compounded quarterly.Senior citizens receive additional interest over standard rates.Loan or overdraft facility is available up to 75% of the annuity balance.What is SBI Annuity Deposit Scheme?SBI Annuity Deposit Scheme requires customers to deposit a one-time lumpsum amount to the bank. The SBI will repay this amount periodically as Equated Monthly Installments. These EMI amounts comprise a portion of the principal amount and interest. The interest compounds quarterly and discounts returns on a monthly value. Also known as monthly annuity installments, you can invest in this scheme for tenures of three, five, seven or ten years. SBI Annuity Deposit Scheme Interest Rate The table below displays SBI Annuity Deposit scheme interest rates for 2025: TenureGeneral Public (p.a.)Senior Citizens (p.a.)1 year to 2 years6.80%7.30%2 years to 3 years7.00%7.50%3 years to 5 years6.75%7.25%5 years to 10 years6.50%7.50%Note: Interest rates are indicative and subject to change as per SBI guidelines.Features of the SBI Annuity Deposit SchemeThe features of the SBI Annuity Deposit Scheme explain how the scheme operates, what flexibility it offers, and why it suits investors looking for predictable monthly income with low risk.You can invest in this scheme from any branch of SBI in India. The minimum investment amount in this scheme is Rs.1,000.There is no upper limit on the maximum deposit amount for this scheme. You can nominate individuals to receive the returns from the SBI Annuity Deposits scheme in your absence. Investors need to deposit a lump sum amount, after which they will earn repayments every month.

Voter ID search by name helps you confirm whether your name appears in the electoral roll before elections. Using official ECI services, you can easily check your name in the voter list online, by SMS, or through the helpline. Knowing how to check your name in the voter list ensures your voter details are accurate and eligible for voting.Key HighlightsYou can do a voter ID search by name online through the NVSP portal using personal details, EPIC number, or mobile number.The voter list is revised annually by the Election Commission of India to update names, addresses, and remove ineligible entries.You can check your name in the voter list via SMS or by calling the ECI helpline number 1950.Verifying your name helps identify errors in spelling, address, or personal details well before elections.If your name is missing, you can apply for addition or correction to avoid issues on polling day.How to Check If Your Name is on the Voter List?You can follow any of the methods provided below to search for your name in the voter list. Online Check via NVSP PortalHere is the step-by-step guide to checking your name in the voter list online: Step 1: Open the official National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP). Step 2: Click on the ‘Search in Electoral Roll’ tab. Step 3: A new page will open. Select any one of the options - ‘Search by Details’, ‘Search by EPIC’ or ‘Search by Mobile’.Step 4: Choose your state and preferred language option from the drop-down list. Step 5: Enter the required details and captcha code and click ‘Search’.Step 6: Your name will be displayed on the screen along with the voter details when your name is there on the voter list. However, if the system shows as no record found, then your name is not added to the voter list, and you will have to contact the state election office to add your name to the voter list.Check via SMSIf you cannot access the NVSP website, there are other alternatives as well.

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a mandatory identity document issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It is required for filing income tax returns, opening bank accounts, investing in financial instruments, and carrying out high-value transactions. You can apply PAN card online or offline through authorised government portals.Key HighlightsPAN card can be applied online through the Income Tax Portal, NSDL (Protean), or UTIITSL.Instant e-PAN is available for individuals with Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers.PAN application fees vary based on dispatch mode and location.PAN correction or update requests can also be filed online.Corporates receive PAN automatically at the time of incorporation.How to Apply for PAN Card Online?PAN card applications can be submitted online through three authorised platforms. Online applications are faster, paperless, and allow easy tracking of application status.The available online methods include:Income Tax e-Filing Portal (Instant e-PAN)NSDL (Protean eGov Technologies) portalUTIITSL portalHow to Apply PAN Card Online via Income-Tax Portal (Instant E-PAN)?Individuals having valid Aadhaar number can now apply for e-PAN instantly without filling up any application form. Here are the steps to apply for instant PAN card:Step 1: Go to the Income Tax portal and click on ‘Instant e-PAN’ option.Step 2: On the next page, click on ‘Get New e-PAN’. Step 3: Enter your Aadhaar number and click ‘Continue’. Step 4: The OTP validation page will be displayed.

SBI debit card PIN generation is essential to activate your new card. The 4-digit PIN is mandatory for authorising all debit card transactions such as ATM withdrawals, POS and online transactions. The bank offers multiple convenient options for SBI debit card PIN generation online and offline. Key Highlights:SBI debit card PIN generation online methods (YONO, net banking) allow instant PIN creation without branch visit.Offline methods (SMS, ATM, customer care) help users without internet access.OTP-based authentication ensures secure SBI debit card PIN generation.Forgotten or blocked PINs can be easily reset using the same channels.SBI Debit Card PIN Generation ProcessThere are several methods for SBI debit card PIN generation online and offline. They include:Visiting an ATMSending an SMSNet bankingUsing the YONO appCalling customer careNote: You can also refer to SBI’s circular on debit card PIN generation.SBI Debit Card PIN Generation by ATMHere are the steps for SBI debit card PIN generation by visiting your nearest ATM:Step 1: Swipe your debit card at the ATM Step 2: Choose the ‘PIN Generation’ option.Step 3: Enter your account number and click ‘Confirm’.Step 4: Type your registered mobile number and select ‘Submit’.Step 5: You will receive an OTP on your registered phone number, valid for the next 2 days. Step 6: Re-insert your debit card and select ‘Banking’.Step 7: Choose the language and enter the OTP received on your mobile number.Step 8: From the ‘Select Transaction’ menu, select the ‘PIN Change’ option. Step 9: Enter your new PIN and again enter it for confirmation. Step 10: You will see a message confirming that a PIN has been changed for your SBI debit card.SBI Debit Card PIN Generation by SMSIn the case of SBI debit card PIN generation via SMS, you will have to send an SMS using your registered phone number to 567676.Make sure that the message is in the following format: PIN <last 4 digits of your debit card> <last 4 digits of your account number>Sending the message in the above order will help you easily generate your State Bank of India debit card PIN.SBI Debit Card PIN Generation Online With Internet BankingFollow the below-given steps for SBI debit card PIN generation online via net banking:Step 1: Log in with your credentials to the SBI online portal.Step 2: Click on ‘e-Services’ and select ‘Debit Card Services’.Step 3: Select ‘ATM card Debit Card’ on the next page.Step 4: Select ‘ATM Pin Generation’.Step 5: Select the ‘Using One Time Password’ or ‘Using Profile Password’ option. Step 6: Enter the OTP or profile password and continue.Step 7: Select the account number and card number and click ‘Submit’.Step 8: Type the first 2 digits of your new PIN. You will receive the other 2 digits via SMS.Step 9: Enter the remaining digits as per the SMS and click on ‘Submit’.SBI Debit Card PIN Generation Online YONOTo complete the SBI debit card PIN generation online using the YONO app, follow the steps discussed below:Step 1: Download SBI’s YONO app from the PlayStore or App Store.Step 2: Log in with your credentials.Step 3: On the dashboard, tap on the 'Cards' option.Step 4: Now tap on ‘My Debit Cards’.Step 5: Tap on ‘Set/Reset ATM PIN’.Step 6: Enter your new PIN and again enter it to confirm the PIN generation.Step 7: You will receive an OTP on your registered phone number.

A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most commonly used form of business ownership in India. It is ideal for individuals who want to start a business with minimal investment, fewer legal formalities, and complete control over operations. In this structure, the business and the owner are treated as one, making decision-making fast but liability unlimited.Key HighlightsA sole proprietorship is owned, managed, and controlled by a single individual.It has no separate legal identity from the proprietor.Registration is simple, with no mandatory incorporation under company law.The proprietor enjoys full profits but also bears unlimited liability.Suitable for small businesses, freelancers, and local traders.What is a Sole Proprietorship?A sole proprietorship is a form of business where a single individual owns and operates the business. The owner and the business are legally the same entity, meaning all profits, losses, and liabilities belong solely to the proprietor.Any person who wants to start a business with less investment can opt for this type of business form. It can be started in a time span of 10-15 days. Since there is no separate legal entity, the business ends if the proprietor discontinues operations. In simple terms, the sole proprietorship meaning refers to a business that is run by one person without any partners or shareholders. Features of Sole ProprietorshipSingle ownership: One individual owns and manages the businessFull control: The proprietor takes all decisions independentlyNo separate legal entity: Owner and business are the same in lawUnlimited liability: Personal assets can be used to meet business liabilitiesEasy formation and closure: Minimal legal formalities involvedTypes of Sole ProprietorshipSole proprietorships can be classified based on the nature of business:Service-based proprietorship: Freelancers, consultants, tutors, designersTrading proprietorship: Retailers, wholesalers, shop ownersManufacturing proprietorship: Small-scale manufacturers and artisans Eligibility for Sole ProprietorshipAny individual who meets the following conditions can start a sole proprietorship:Must be an Indian residentMust be legally competent to enter into contractsShould intend to operate the business in their own name or trade nameThere is no minimum capital requirement to start a sole proprietorship.Documents Required for Sole ProprietorshipThe documents required for registration of Sole Proprietorship are:Aadhaar card.PAN card.Registered office proofBank accountRegistration of Sole ProprietorshipThe procedure for incorporating a sole proprietorship firm is-Applying for PAN card.After obtaining a PAN card, or if the proprietor already has a PAN card, the next step is to keep a name for the sole proprietorship business.The next step is to open a bank account in the name of the business. All the transactions of the business will be through this bank account.Though no specific registration is required for starting a sole proprietorship firm, certain basic registrations are required to be obtained by a sole proprietorship firm for doing business.

The bank holidays 2025 calendar lists all days when banks across India remain closed due to national holidays, regional festivals, or state-specific observances. Referring to the bank holiday list helps individuals and businesses plan branch visits, cheque clearances, and financial transactions in advance. Upcoming HolidaysDiwali will be celebrated on Monday and Tuesday, 20 and 21 October 2025. The date might vary across states. Guru Nanak Jayanti will be observed on Wednesday, 5 November 2025.Christmas Day will be celebrated on Thursday, 25 December 2025, marking the final bank holiday of the year.List of Bank Holidays for December 2025:DateOccasionStates01 December 2025, MondayIndigenous Faith DayArunachal Pradesh03 December 2025, WednesdayFeast of St. Francis XavierGoa12 December 2025, FridayPa Togan NengminjaMeghalaya18 December 2025, ThursdayGuru Ghasidas JayantiChattisgarh18 December 2025, ThursdayDeath Anniversary of U SoSo ThamMeghalaya19 December 2025, FridayGoa Liberation DayGoa24 December 2025, WednesdayChristmasMeghalaya, Mizoram25 December 2025, ThursdayChristmasAndhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat,  Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana,Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi26 December 2025, FridayChristmasMeghalaya, Mizoram, Telangana26 December 2025, FridayShaheed Udham Singh JayantiHaryana27 December 2025, SaturdayGuru Gobind Singh JayantiHaryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh30 December 2025, TuesdayU Kiang NangbahMeghalaya30 December 2025, WednesdayTamu LosarSikkim31 December 2025, WednesdayNew Year's DayMizoram, ManipurList of Bank Holidays for January 2025:DateOccasionStates01 January 2025, WednesdayNew YearArunachal Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana02 January 2025, ThursdayNew Year HolidayMizoram02 January 2025, ThursdayMannam JayanthiKerala06 January 2025, MondayGuru Gobind Singh JayantiHaryana, Punjab11 January 2025, SaturdayMissionary DayMizoram11 January 2025, SaturdayGuru Gobind Singh JayantiRajasthan12 January 2025, SundaySwami Vivekananda JayantiWest Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi12 January 2025, SundayGaan-NgaiManipur14 January 2025, TuesdayMakara SankranthiArunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Punjab, Sikkim, Telangana14 January 2025, TuesdayPongalTamil Nadu15 January 2025, WednesdayMakara SankrantiAndhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Telangana15 January 2025, WednesdayPongalTelangana15 January 2025, WednesdayMagh BihuAssam15 January 2025, WednesdayThiruvalluvar DayTamil Nadu16 January 2025, ThursdayKanuma PandugaAndhra Pradesh16 January 2025, ThursdayUzhavar ThirunalTamil Nadu22 January 2025, WednesdayIMOINU IRATPAManipur23 January 2025, ThursdayGaan -NgaiManipur23 January 2025, ThursdayNetaji Subhas Chandra Bose JayantiTripura, Odisha, Punjab, Sikkim, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi25 January 2025, SaturdayMohm Hajarat AliUttar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh25 January 2025, SaturdayState DayHimachal Pradesh26 January 2025, SundayRepublic DayAndhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi30 January 2025, SundaySonam LosarSikkimList of Bank Holidays for February 2025:DateOccasionStates03 February 2023, MondayVasant PanchamiHaryana, Odisha, Punjab, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, West Bengal10 February 2025, MondayLosarSikkim12 February 2025, WednesdayGuru Ravidas JayantiHaryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Punjab14 February 2025, FridayVasanta PanchamiOdisha, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi14 February 2025, FridaySaraswati PujaTripura, West Bengal14 February 2025, FridayHoliMeghalaya, Nagaland14 February 2025, FridayShab-E-BaratChattisgarh15 February 2025, SaturdayLui-Ngai-NiManipur19 February 2025, WednesdayChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj JayantiMaharashtra20 February 2025, ThursdayStatehood DayArunachal Pradesh20 February 2025, ThursdayState DayMizoram25 February 2025, TuesdayMaha ShivaratriKarnataka, Kerala26 February 2025, WednesdayMaha ShivaratriGoa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh. Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh28 February 2025, FridayLosarSikkimList of Bank Holidays for March 2025:DateOccasionStates01 March 2025, SundayChapchar KutMizoram05 March 2025, ThursdayPanchayati raj DivasOdisha, Punjab, Sikkim07 March 2025, SaturdayChapchar KutMizoram08 March 2025, SaturdayMahashivratriAndhra Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand14 March 2025, FridayHoliArunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura14 March 2025, FridayYaosangManipur14 March 2025, FridayYaosang 2nd DayManipur14 March 2025, FridayHoliMizoram, Punjab14 March 2025, FridayDoljatraWest Bengal22 March 2025, SaturdayBihar DayBihar23 March 2025, SundayS.

It is essential to check if your Aadhaar number is linked with your mobile number to access OTP-based services, e-KYC verification, and Aadhaar-linked government benefits. Though it is not mandatory to link your Aadhaar card with your mobile number, it is highly recommended to do so. Key HighlightsCheck Aadhar card status online by mobile number​ on the UIDAI website by entering your Aadhaar number and mobile number under ‘Verify Mobile Number’.In the mAadhaar app, enter your Aadhaar and mobile number, and view the linking status instantly.Visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Enrolment Centre, provide your Aadhaar and mobile number, and the executive will confirm the link.Features of Aadhaar–Mobile LinkingLinking a mobile number with Aadhaar enables the following features:OTP-based Aadhaar authenticationAccess to online Aadhaar services (download, update, verification)e-KYC for banking, SIM cards, and financial servicesAlerts for Aadhaar-related updates and changesWho Needs to Link or Check Aadhaar–Mobile?You should link or check your Aadhaar–mobile status if you:Use Aadhaar-based OTP servicesNeed e-KYC for banks, SIM cards, or government schemesWant to update Aadhaar details onlineHave changed your mobile number recentlyAre unsure whether a mobile number is already linkedMethods to Check Aadhaar Card Linked with Mobile NumberIt is essential to link your Aadhaar card with your mobile number and keep it up to date. You can check if your Aadhaar card is linked to your mobile number either online or offline. How to Check Aadhaar Card Link with a Mobile Number Online?You can do Aadhar card mobile number check online by following the steps below:Via the UIDAI WebsiteStep 1: Go to the UIDAI website.Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Aadhaar Services’ section under ‘My Aadhaar’ and click on the ‘Verify Email/Mobile Number’ option.Step 3: Select the ‘Verify Mobile Number’ option, enter your mobile number linked with Aadhaar, Aadhaar number, and captcha code and click on ‘Submit’.Step 4: If the entered mobile number is linked with your Aadhaar number a message will be displayed on the screen saying - ‘The mobile number you have entered is already verified with our records’. If your mobile number is not linked with your Aadhaar number, the following message will be displayed on the screen - ‘The mobile number you have entered does not match our records’.Via mAadhaar AppStep 1: Download and install the mAadhaar app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.Step 2: Open the app and tap “Verify Email/Mobile Number.”Step 3: Enter your Aadhaar number and the mobile number you want to check.Step 4: Submit the details, and the app will immediately show you the status of your link.How to Check Aadhaar Card Link with Mobile Number Offline?Here are the steps to check Aadhaar card link with a mobile number through offline mode:Step 1: Visit your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. Step 2: Provide your mobile number and Aadhaar number to the executive at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.Step 3: The executives will check and let you know if your mobile number is linked with your Aadhaar number.Documents Required to Link Mobile Number to Aadhaar CardThe only document required to link an Aadhaar card with a mobile number is a self-attested copy of the Aadhar card. Charges for Linking Aadhaar Card with Mobile NumberThere are no charges to link an Aadhaar card with a mobile number. However, you will have to pay a fee of Rs. 50 if you want to change or update your mobile number registered with your Aadhaar card. Importance of Linking Aadhaar Card with Mobile NumberIt is not mandatory to provide a mobile number for Aadhaar enrollment.

A cheque bounce notice is a legal intimation issued under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act when a cheque is dishonoured due to insufficient funds. It demands repayment of the exact cheque amount within 15 days. A cheque bounce notice is valid only if it states the exact cheque amount. Any error, however small, invalidates it.Key HighlightsThe payee must issue the notice within 30 days of receiving the bank’s cheque return memo.The drawer gets 15 days from receipt of notice to clear the payment.Failure to pay allows the payee to file a criminal complaint under Section 138 NI Act.The offence is criminal in nature but the payee may also pursue a civil suit for recovery.Both the drawer and company directors (if a company issued the cheque) can be held liable.What is a Cheque Bounce?When the payee presents a cheque to the bank for payment, and the cheque is returned unpaid by the bank with a memo of insufficient funds, the cheque is said to have bounced. A cheque bounce is an offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. The punishment can be:A fine of up to twice the cheque amount,Imprisonment of up to two years, orBoth.Cheques may bounce for many reasons, but insufficient account balance is the most common and legally punishable cause.