Start with a free assessment, get an advocate-signed legal notice within 24 hours, settle if the buyer responds (60% do), and file MSME Samadhaan, Section 138 or a summary suit in Kochi if not. Nothing upfront; 30% only on recovery.
Business in Kochi: where dues come from
Kochi’s seafood exporters, spice traders in Mattancherry and shipping agents around the port deal with both domestic and overseas buyers, and dues from hotels and resorts rise and fall with the season. Kerala’s Facilitation Council handles MSME claims, and the Ernakulam courts are experienced with Section 138 matters from the trading community.
Main industries: seafood processing and exports, spices trading, shipping and logistics, IT services, tourism and hospitality.
Courts and the Facilitation Council for Kochi
| Forum | What it hears | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Magistrate courts | Section 138 cheque bounce complaints | Judicial First Class Magistrate courts, Ernakulam, for Section 138 |
| Civil / Commercial courts | Summary suits and recovery suits | District Court, Ernakulam, and its Commercial Court for recovery suits |
| MSE Facilitation Council | MSME Samadhaan delayed-payment references | Kerala Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council, Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram |
| High Court | Appeals, Section 34 challenges, high-value commercial suits | Kerala High Court, Ernakulam |
See cheque bounce courts in Kochi and the Kerala Facilitation Council.
Which route fits your case
| Your situation | Route | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer ignoring reminders | Legal notice by a dedicated advocate | 24 hours to send; most respond in 7 to 15 days |
| Udyam-registered supplier, payment over 45 days late | MSME Samadhaan | Council target 90 days |
| Cheque bounced | Section 138 complaint | Notice within 30 days; complaint within the following 45 |
| Invoice or contract dues, no real defence | Summary suit | Months, by court calendar |
| Contract with arbitration clause | Arbitration | Usually faster than court |
By industry in Kochi
- Exporters and export houses dues in Kochi: Domestic suppliers to export houses wait on the exporter’s own realisation; exporters themselves face overseas buyers paying late or disputing quality.
- Logistics, transport and warehousing dues in Kochi: Monthly freight bills against lorry receipts and PODs, 30 to 60 day terms that stretch to 120, deductions for damage and detention disputes.
- IT services, software and agencies dues in Kochi: Milestone or monthly billing against SOWs and contracts, 30 to 60 day terms on paper, often 90 to 180 days in practice, with “scope” disputes used to delay.
- Food processing and agri-trading dues in Kochi: Mandi and trade credit on trust, high-value lots paid by cheque or RTGS weeks later, and seasonal cash-flow excuses for delay.
How FundRaksha works for Kochi businesses
- Free consultation and case assessment by phone, WhatsApp or video.
- Dedicated advocate assigned and legal notice sent within 24 hours (e-notice plus registered post).
- Negotiation and a documented settlement, secured by post-dated cheques or an e-mandate.
- Filing in Kochi or before the Council if needed, with the same advocate appearing.
Fee: 30% of the amount recovered, nothing upfront. Court fees at actuals, told before filing.