Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881–Secs. 138 & 141–Prosecution of partnership firm–Impleadment–Even in the absence of partnership firm being named as an accused, if the partners of the partnership firm are proceeded against, they being jointly and severally liable along with the partnership firm as well as inter se the partners of the firm, the complaint is still maintain-able–The accused in such a case would in substance be the partners of the partnership firm along with the firm itself–Since the liability is joint and several, even in the absence of a partnership firm being proceeded against by the complainant by issuance of legal notice as mandated u/s. 138 of the Act or being made an accused specifically in a complaint filed u/s. 200 of Cr.P.C., such a complaint is maintainable.
