Ask the Law: Can I cash Dh100,000 cheque six months after issue?

Question 1: A questioner from Dubai asks: I have a cheque for Dh100,000. The bank has refused to cash it on the basis that it is more than six months old. It told me to ask the cheque issuer to amend the date. But they are no longer in the country so this is not possible. Is the bank entitled to refuse the cheque? Can I file a civil case even I don’t have a bank report?

Answer 1: Cheques more than six months old will not be accepted unless the issuer changes the date. But I advise the questioner to try to deposit the cheque in his account. In this way, his bank will tell him in writing that it has not been cashed, thereafter, he may file a complaint before the police in this regard. However, the questioner may file a civil case to claim his right and a bank report is not needed.