NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS ACT, 1881
STRUCTURE
1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Objectives Introduction Meaning of Negotiable Instruments Characteristics of a negotiable instrument Presumptions as to negotiable instrument Types of negotiable Instrument 1.5.1 Promissory notes 1.5.2 Bill of exchange 1.5.3 Cheques 1.5.4 Hundis 1.6 Parties to negotiable instruments 1.6.1 Parties to Bill of Exchange 1.6.2 Parties to a Promissory Note 1.6.3 Parties to a Cheque 1.7 1.8 Negotiation 1.7.1 Modes of negotiation Assignment 1.8.1 Negotiation and Assignment Distinguished 1.8.2 Importance of delivery in negotiation 1.9 Endorsement 1.10 Instruments without Consideration 1.11 Holder in Due Course
1.12 Dishonour of a Negotiable instrument 1.13 Noting and protesting 1.14 Summary 1.15 Keywords 1.16 Self Assessment Questions 1.17 References/Suggested readings
1.0 OBJECTIVES
After reading this lesson, you should be able to• • • • Understand meaning, essential characteristics and types of negotiable instruments; Describe the meaning and marketing of cheques, crossing of cheques and cancellation of crossing of a cheque; Explain capacity and liability parties to a negotiable instruments; and Understand various provisions of negotiable instrument Act, 1881 regarding negotiation, assignment, endorsement, acceptance, etc. of negotiable instruments.
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The Negotiable Instruments Act was enacted, in India, in 1881. Prior to its enactment, the provision of the English Negotiable Instrument Act were applicable in India, and the present Act is also based on the English Act with certain modifications. It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Act operates subject to the provisions of Sections 31 and 32 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. Section 31 of the Reserve Bank of India Act provides that no person in India other than
References: 234 Bhole, L.M., Financial Institutions and Markets, 4th ed., Tata McGraw Hills, New Delhi, 2004. Bank Financial Management, Indian Institute of Banking and Finance, Taxman’s Publications, July 2004. Sinkey, J.F., Commercial Bank Financial Management, Prentice Hall, New Delhi, 2002. Joshi, V.C. and Joshi W., Managing Indian Banks, Response Books, New Delhi, 2002. Traded Progress of Banking in India, Govt. of India, 2005-06. Palfreman, D. and Ford, O.: Elements of Banking 1 and 2, Macdonald ad Evans Publications, Estover, 1985. 235