Indian Penal Code, 1860 (XLV of 1860) Section 174-A – Petitioners had, in fact, not received the summons qua the pendency of criminal complaint under Section 138 of the Act – Since in the main case, petitioners have been ordered to be discharged in view of compromise effected between the parties, continuation of criminal proceedings against the petitioners under Section 174-A IPC would be nothing but an abuse of process of law – nia s. 138.