Definition of a Negotiable Instrument [Section 13(1)] Document transferable from one person to another

Conditions of negotiabilityInstrument should be freely transferable Person who takes it for value is not affected by the defect in the title Such a person can sue upon the instrument

Characteristics of Negotiable Instruments Holder of the instrument is presumed to be the ownerFreely transferable Holder in due course gets the instrument free from all defects Instrument is transferable till maturity

Definition of a Negotiable Instrument [Section 13(1)] Document transferable from one person to another

Conditions of negotiabilityInstrument should be freely transferable Person who takes it for value is not affected by the defect in the title Such a person can sue upon the instrument

Characteristics of Negotiable Instruments Holder of the instrument is presumed to be the ownerFreely transferable Holder in due course gets the instrument free from all defects Instrument is transferable till maturity

Classification of Negotiable Instruments Order instruments Payable to a particular person

Bearer instruments Payable to any person having the instrument

Inland instruments (section 11) Drawn or made in India, Drawn upon any person, resident in India

Foreign Instruments Which Is Not An Inland Instrument

Drawn in India and made payable outside India and drawn on a person resident outside India

Demand Instruments (Section 19) In Which No Time For Payment Is Specified

Time Instruments Which Are Payable At Sometime In The Future

Payment in due Course (Section 10) •A payment in accordance with the tenor of instrument, •In good faith •Without negligence.

Overdue, Stale or Out-of-date Cheques Cheque is overdue after 6 months as per Banking Regulation ActCheque is overdue after three years as per Negotiable Instrument Act Holder cannot sue on cheque after that time.

Demand Instruments (Section 19) In Which No Time For Payment Is Specified

Time Instruments Which Are Payable At Sometime In The Future

Payment in due Course (Section 10) •A payment in accordance with the tenor of instrument, •In good faith •Without negligence.

Overdue, Stale or Out-of-date Cheques Cheque is overdue after 6 months as per Banking Regulation ActCheque is overdue after three years as per Negotiable Instrument Act Holder cannot sue on cheque after that time.

Holder Section 8holder is entitled(i) to the possession of the instrument, and (ii) to receive its amount

Holder in Due Course • He must be the holder • For consideration • He must have obtained the negotiable instrument before maturity. • The instrument should be complete • Good faith.

Prior parties

A ------ B ------ C ------ D ------ E ------ F ------ G

DrawerDrawee

Payee

HolderHolder

HolderHolder

Holder

Dishonor of InstrumentAll prior Parties are liable to ‘ G ’G can sue any prior party

Court case

Classes of endorsement

An endorsement may be :

• Blank or General, • Special or Full,• Restrictive, or• Partial, and • Conditional or Qualified.

Sans Recourse EndorsementThe endorser excludes his liability by adding the words “sans recourse” or “without recourse”e.g. “pay A or order same recourse”.

Acceptance for Honour One person accepts a Bill he is not mentioned as a Drawee

Dishonour by Non-Acceptance Section 91 A bill is dishonoured by non-acceptance : When the drawee does not accept within 48 hours from time of

presentment. When the drawee is incompetent to contract.When the drawee is a fictitious person or after search can not

be found.Where the acceptance is a qualified one.

Dishonour by Non-payment (Section 92) A bill is dishonoured when the maker or acceptor makes default in payment. A negotiable instrument is dishonoured when presentment for payment is excused.

Notice of Dishonour (Sec-91-98 and Sec-105-107) Instrument Is dishonoured ---- holder must give notice of dishonour to other parties whom he seeks to make liable. Each party receiving notice of dishonour must give notice of dishonour to prior parties after he has received it.

Notice of Dishonour Unnecessary When it is dispensed with by the party entitled thereto, When the drawer has countermanded payment.When the party would not suffer damage for want of notice.When the party cannot be found.When the omission to give notice is caused by unavoidable circumstances, e.g. death of the holder.

Discharge The discharge of negotiable instrument may be 1. discharge of the instrument or 2. discharge of parties to the instrument from liability.

Mode of DischargeA negotiable instrument is discharged : by payment in due course;when the principal debtor becomes the holder;by cancellation.

Noting and Protest (Section 99-104) Where a bill is dishonoured, the holder wants dishonour to be noted by a notary public. The protest is the formal notarial certificate After the noting, the formal protest is drawn up by the notary.

Material Alteration (Section 87)

An alteration is material which alters • the operation of the instrument and • the liabilities of the parties thereto.

A material alteration renders the instrument void.

Mr. Ram

I order myself to pay Rs. 10000 /- to you or order on 10 Jan,2009

1Jan,09

SignShyam

Ambiguous Instruments (Section 17) It may be treated by the holder

As a bill As a noteEg. Drawer & drawee are same person

Accepted

Inchoate or Incomplete Instrument (Section 20)

Incomplete negotiable instrument

Mr. Ram

I order Hanuman to pay Rs. -------- /- to youor order on ----- Jan,2009

1Jan,09

SignShyamAccepted

Eg.Signed stamp papers given by a Person to another person

Liability of a BankerWhen Banker Must Refuse Payment When Banker May Refuse PaymentCustomer issues instructions – Countermanding of paymentCustomer’s death. Customer becomes insolvent.Customer’s insanity. Order of court -- (Eg.. Garnishee order)Holder’s title is defective and the banker comes to know of it.Closing of account.

Cheque is post-datedInsufficient funds without overdraft facilityCheque is of doubtful legality Cheque is not duly presented e.g., it is presented after banking hoursCheque is irregularCheque is ambiguous Cheque is materially alteredCheque has been stale, i.e.Non presentation within six months of date mentioned on it.

Crossing of Cheques (Sections 123-131A)(i) General and (ii)Special

Example: Account Payee’s Crossing