Can someone file a case under Sections 138 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code simultaneously? If they settle the Section 138 matter outside of court, what happens to the Section 420 case, considering it’s a state case? Please advise.

Yes, a person can file a case under Sections 138 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code simultaneously. If the Section 138 matter is settled outside court, the Section 420 case remains unaffected and can proceed independently. The settlement of a civil dispute (Section 138) doesn’t automatically impact a criminal case (Section 420), which is governed by separate legal proceedings.