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NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS

 Introduction
 Negotiable Instruments Act 1881 contains the law relating to instruments of credit which are
convertible into money and are easily transferable.
 This Act deals with three instruments – Promissory Notes, Bills of Exchange and Cheque.
 Negotiable instruments Act 1881 came into force on 1st March 1882.
 This Act extends to whole of India.
 This Act applies to all persons resident in India- whether foreigner or Indians.
 The provisions of this Act are also applicable to Hundis, unless there is a local usage to the
contrary.

 Negotiable Instruments – Meaning

 It is an instrument which is transferable (with or without endorsement) by delivery to another
person, by the person who currently holds them. The ownership of the instrument gets
transferred to bonafide transferee.
 Section 13(1)
A ―negotiable instrument‖ means
 a promissory note,
 bill of exchange or
 cheque
payable either to order or to bearer.
 Apart from other three instruments, there are also other negotiable instruments like hundies,
government promissory notes, railway receipts, delivery orders etc.
 The provisions of Negotiable Instruments Act are also extended to above instruments, provided
there is no local usage to the contrary.
 What is „payable to order‟ or „payable to bearer‟
Payable  A note, bill or cheque is said to be ‗payable to order‘, if –
to order  it is expressed to be payable to the order of a person, or
 it is expressed to be payable to a person.
 Example- Pay X, Pay X or order, Pay X and Y, Pay X or Y, Pay to the order of
X
 The note, bill or cheque can be said to be ‗payable to order‘, only if –
 it does not contain words prohibiting transfer, or
 it does not indicate an intention that it shall not be transferable.
  Example- Pay X only, Pay none other than X – these are not negotiable
instruments because their negotiability has been prohibited. These are valid
instruments, but not negotiable instruments.
Payable  An instrument is said to be payable to bearer if the holder of the instrument is
to entitled to get the payment.
bearer  A note, bill or cheque is said to be payable to bearer if-
 it expressly says that it is payable to bearer, or
 its last endorsement is an endorsement in blank.
 Example- ‗Pay X or bearer‘, ‗Pay X, Y or bearer‘, ‗Pay bearer‘, are all
negotiable instruments payable to bearer.
 Suppose an instrument is made as ‗Pay X or order‘. It is an instrument ‗payable
to order‘. Now, Mr. X endorses it in blank i.e. he signs on its back and delivers
it to Mr. Y. Mr. X does not write the name of Mr. Y on the instrument. Now,
this instrument becomes an instrument ‗payable to bearer‘.

 Section 13(2)
A negotiable instrument
 may be made payable to two or more payees jointly, or
 it may be made payable in the alternative to one of the two, or
 one or some of several payees.
Two or more payees jointly Pay Mr. X and Mr. Y
One of the two payees Pay Mr. X or Mr. Y
One or some of several ‗Pay Mr. X or Mr. Y or Mr. Z‘ or ‗Pay any two from Mr X,
payees Mr. Y ,Mr.Z‘

 However, Reserve Bank of India Act prohibits following-

 issue of promissory note which is ‗payable to bearer‘ (but RBI and Central Government
can issue such notes);
 drawing of bills of exchange which is ‗payable to bearer on demand‘ (but RBI and
Central Government can issue such bills);
 A cheque ‗payable to bearer on demand‘ can be drawn on a person‘s account with a bank.

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 Essential Characteristics of Negotiable Instruments

1 Written A negotiable instrument is compulsorily a written instrument. It is also duly
instrument signed.
2 Transfer/ Instruments which These are transferred by one person to another by
negotiation by are payable to order endorsement and delivery.
endorsement Instruments which These are transferred by one person to another by
and/or delivery are payable to bearer simple delivery of the instrument.
3 Negotiable  It is presumed that every negotiable instrument is made or drawn for a
instrument is consideration.
made/drawn  The onus of proof is on the person who challenges the existence of
for consideration.
consideration
4 Transferee can Transferee can sue the debtor if the instrument is dishonoured on
sue the debtor presentation.
 The holder of a note, bill or cheque has the right to recover something
debtor i.e. the person who wrote the note or cheque or who accepted the
bill.
5 Good title to  A person who takes the instrument for bonafide and valuable
transferee consideration, obtains a good title. This is true even when there is a
defect in the title of the transferor.
6 Presumptions  Section 118 lays down following presumptions in relation to a
negotiable instrument (until the contrary is proved) –
Consideration It is presumed that every NI was made or drawn for a
consideration.
It is also presumed that every negotiation/ acceptance/
endorsement/ transfer is done for consideration.
Date It is presumed that every negotiable instrument bearing a
date was made or drawn on such date.
Time of It is presumed that every accepted bill of exchange was
acceptance accepted within a reasonable time after its date and before
its maturity
Order of That the endorsements appearing upon a NI were made in
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endorsements the order in which they appear thereon

Time of It is presumed that every transfer of a negotiable
transfer instrument was made before its maturity.
Stamp It is presumed that a lost promissory note, bill of exchange
or cheque was duly stamped.
Holder is a It is presumed that a holder is a holder in due course.
holder in due
course

 Promissory Note
Definition
Promissory Section 4 A ―promissory note‖ is an instrument in writing (not being a bank-
Note note or a currency-note) containing
- an unconditional undertaking signed by the maker,
- to pay a certain sum of money
- only to, or to the order of, a certain person.

 A promissory note is valid even if it contains an undertaking to pay the amount only to a
particular person. Hence, even though negotiability is restricted, it remains a valid promissory
note. Such a promissory note will not be treated as a negotiable instrument.
 If the promissory note contains an undertaking to pay the amount to a person or his order, it is a
negotiable instrument.
 A promissory note which is payable to bearer is not valid due to provisions of RBI Act.
 Illustrations given in Section 4
Illustration Whether Reason
promissory
note or not
―I promise to pay B or order ₹ 500.‖ Promissory It complies all the requirements
note of Section 4
‗‗I acknowledge myself to be indebted to B Promissory It complies all the requirements
in ₹ 1,000, to be paid on demand, for value note of Section 4
received.‖
―Mr. B. I.O.U. ₹ 1,000.‖ Not a No undertaking to pay
promissory
note
―I promise to pay B ₹ 500 and all other Not a No definite sum of money
sums which shall be due to him.‖ promissory
note
―I promise to pay B ₹ 500 first deducting Not a No definite sum of money
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there out any money which he may owe promissory

me.‖ note
―I promise to pay B ₹ 500 seven days after Not a Promise is not unconditional
my marriage with C.‖ promissory
note
―I promise to pay B ₹ 500 on D‘s death, Not a Promise is not unconditional
provided D leaves me enough to pay that promissory
sum.‖ note
―I promise to pay B ₹ 500 and to deliver to Not a Amount payable must be in
him my black horse on 1st January next.‖ promissory legal tender money of India
note

Essentials of a Promissory Note

1 It should be in  A promissory note should always be in writing.
writing  A verbal promissory note has no meaning.
 No particular format of words have been prescribed.
2 Bank note or  Bank note/currency note also contain a promise to pay the
currency note is bearer a certain sum of money.
not a promissory  But these are not covered by Negotiable Instruments Act 1881.
note
3 It should contain  The promissory note shall contain an undertaking to pay.
an unconditional  Such undertaking should be unconditional.
undertaking to  If any condition is attached to the undertaking, it is not a valid
pay promissory note.
 Example- ―I promise to pay B ₹ 500 after seven days‖. This is
an unconditional undertaking. Hence, it is a promissory note.
 Example- ―I promise to pay B ₹ 500 seven days after my
marriage with C.‖ This is a conditional undertaking because
marriage with C is not certain. Hence, it is not a promissory
note.
 Example - ―I promise to pay B ₹ 500 seven days after D‘s
death‖. This is an unconditional undertaking because death of D
is certain. Hence, it is a promissory note.
 Where the note contains a promise to pay after the lapse of a
certain period after the occurrence of a certain event which is
certain to happen, such promise shall not be treated as
conditional, even though the time of happening of such event is
uncertain.
4 Instrument must  A promissory note is valid only when it is signed by the maker.
be signed by the  Signature can be placed at any part of the instrument.
maker
5 Amount should be  The amount should be certain and predefined.
certain and  Example-―I promise to pay B ₹ 500 and all other sums which
definite shall be due to him.‖ This is not a valid promissory note as the
amount mentioned is not definite.
 In the following cases, the sum shall be treated as certain –
 where the sum includes future interest;
 where the sum is payable at an indicated rate of exchange;
 sum payable is according to course of exchange.
6 The person to  Promissory note shall be payable to a specific person. It is
whom promise is irrelevant if the person is misnamed or designated by description
made must be a only.
definite person.  If the promissory note is made payable to maker himself, it is
invalid. However, if such note is endorsed to some other person,
 it becomes valid.
7 Miscellaneous  No specific form of word is prescribed.
features  Place of payment and date of making is not necessary. Undated
promissory note is presumed to be made on the date of delivery.
 Ante dated and post dated note is also valid.
 The words ―for value received‖ may not be mentioned as it is
presumed that promissory note is made for value.
 The words ‗or order‘ may not be written as it is presumed that
the person in whose favour it is made, can transfer it.

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 Bill of Exchange
Definition
Bill of Section 5 A ―bill of exchange‖ is an instrument in writing containing
Exchange - an unconditional order, signed by the maker,
- directing a certain person to pay a certain sum of money only
 to, or
 to the order of, a certain person or
 to the bearer of the instrument.

 Lets us first understand the procedure by which a bill of exchange comes into existence –
 X sell goods to Y for ₹ 5000/- and allows Y a credit period of 6 months.
 Now, X makes a bill of exchange with following words ‗Six months after date, pay to my
order ₹ 5000/- for value received‘. X sends this bill of exchange to Y for acceptance.
 Y accepts the bill by writing ‗Accepted‘ thereon along with his signature.
 Now, Y becomes liable to pay X or to his order, a sum of ₹ 5000/- after a period of six
months.
 X is drawer of the bill. Y is the drawee of the bill. After acceptance, Y is called acceptor of
the bill.
 A bill of exchange can be made payable to a particular person only. Even though, such bills of
exchange are valid, but they are not treated as negotiable instrument.
 As per provisions of Section 31 of RBI Act, a bill of exchange cannot be made payable to bearer
on demand.
 If it is payable to bearer, then it shall be payable after a certain period of time.
 If it is payable on demand, then it shall be payable to order of someone.
 Thus, a bill of exchange is an order by the drawer to pay a specified amount to a specified person
or to his order or to the bearer.

Essential of a valid bill of exchange

1 Written A bill of exchange is always in writing. There is no specific format for
instrument such instruments. However, it should be drawn in a form that complies
with the requirements of Section 5.
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2 Order to pay Bill of Exchange must contain an order to pay i.e. a direction to pay. The
order is from the drawer to drawee.
3 Unconditional  The order to pay must be unconditional. Thus, a Bill of exchange must
order be paid under all circumstances and not be based on a contingent event.
A bill containing a conditional order to pay is invalid. For Example – a
bill worded as under is invalid –
‗Three months after date, Pay to X ₹ 5000/- if you have sufficient fund‘
 Where the note contains a promise to pay after the lapse of a certain
period after the occurrence of a certain event which is certain to
happen, such promise shall not be treated as conditional, even though
the time of happening of such event is uncertain.
4 Signature of The bill of exchange should be signed by the drawer. An unsigned bill of
drawer exchange is not valid and is ineffective. However, such signature can be
put even after issuance of the bill.
5 Necessary The parties to a bill of exchange are – the drawer, the drawee/acceptor and
parties the payee.
6 Sum must be The bill of exchange must mention a definite and certain sum of money to
certain paid. In the following cases, the sum shall be treated as certain –
 where the sum includes future interest;
 where the sum is payable at an indicated rate of exchange;
 sum payable is according to course of exchange.
7 Payment must Bill of exchange cannot contain an order to pay anything in kind. It should
be in terms of contain an order to pay in terms of money only.
money
8 Delivery to Bill of exchange must be delivered to the payee, otherwise it becomes
payee inchoate and ineffective.
9 All formalities All the formalities regarding a bill of exchange must be fulfilled. Such
must be formalities can be – stamp, date, etc.
fulfilled

Parties to a bill of exchange

 There are three parties to a bill of exchange – drawer, drawee and payee.
 It doesn‘t mean that there should be three distinct persons. One person can play the role of two
parties. For Example-
 When a bill is drawn as ‗Pay to me or my order‘, drawer and payee are same person.
 When the bill is subsequently endorsed in favour of drawee, the drawee and payee are
same person.
 When one draws a bill of exchange on himself, the drawer and drawee are the same
person.
 But, the names of the three parties should be clearly mentioned in the bill of exchange.
 Now, we discuss the three parties in detail--
1 Drawer  Section 7
―The maker of a bill of exchange or cheque is called the drawer.......‖
 The person who draws or makes the bill of exchange or cheque is termed as a
drawer. The drawer is the person who directs the drawee to pay the amount.
 Drawer needs to essentially put his signature on the bill of exchange.
2 Drawee  Section 7
―......the person thereby directed to pay is called the drawee.......‖
 Drawer directs a person to pay. The person to whom such direction is given, is
known as drawee.
3 Payee  Section 7
―........The person named in the instrument, to whom or to whose order the
money is by the instrument directed to be paid, is called the payee.........‖
 When the drawer directs the payee to pay the amount to the order of a third
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person, such third person becomes the payee.

 When the drawer directs the payee to pay the amount on his own order, then
the drawer becomes payee as well.

 Difference between a Promissory Note and Bill of Exchange

SN Basis of Promissory Note Bill of Exchange
difference
1 Promise/order It contains a promise to pay It contains an order to pay
2 Relationship There is an immediate There is immediate relationship between
relationship between maker of  the drawer of bill and acceptor;
note and the payee  the drawer of bill and payee
3 Liability of The liability of maker of the Liability of drawer is secondary. Drawer
maker note is primary. He himself is liable to pay the amount only if the
have to pay the amount after drawee fails to pay.
the stipulated time.
4 Presentment There is no need to get the bill A bill is required to be accepted by
for payment accepted by maker, before it drawee, before it is presented for
is presented for payment. payment.
5 Number of There are only two parties – There are three parties – drawer, drawee
parties maker and payee and payee. However, one single person
can take the role of any of the two
parties mentioned above.
6 One person as Maker of a note cannot be Drawer and drawee can be the same
make and make himself as payee. person.
payee Drawer and payee can be the same
person.
7 Drawing in A promissory note cannot be A bill of exchange can be drawn in sets.
sets drawn in sets.
8 Notice of No notice is required to be Notice of dishonour is required to be
dishonour given in case of dishonour of given to all the parties.
a promissory note.

 Accommodation Bill
 Accommodation Bill is similar to any other ordinary trade bill of exchange.
 The only difference is that an accommodation bill is not supported by any consideration or a
trading transaction.
 The drawee does not get any consideration for accepting the bill. As no trading transaction
took place between the drawer and drawee, they are not debtors and creditors as well.
 The purpose of accommodation bill is to provide financial help to—
 the drawer, OR
 the drawer and drawee both.
 Accommodation bill is a sort of mercantile credit, where one person lends his name to other,
so that the other person can obtain funds by either discounting the bill with a bank, or
negotiating the bill with his creditor.
 Example- X is in need of funds. He goes to his friend Y for help. Y, too, does not have funds.
But, Y had good credit in market. Now, X draws a bill on Y for ₹ 10000/-, which is payable
after 3 months. This bill is accepted by Y. Now, X goes to his bank and gets this bill
discounted. Before the maturity of the bill, X will provide funds to Y, who will in turn, pay the
bill. Thus, X managed to obtain ₹ 10000/- for 3 months, through accommodation bill.
 Parties to an accommodation bill
The party that accommodated (Y) Accommodation party
The party that was accommodated (X) Accommodated party
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 Following important points must be noted in case of accommodation bill

No obligation - As the contract between the drawer and drawee/acceptor is not based on
between drawer consideration, the drawee is not required to pay to the drawer.
and drawee - The drawer may get possession of the bill in the following cases—
 When the bill is subsequently endorsed in his favour;
 When the drawer pays for the bill due to drawee‘s refusal to
pay.
- Even though the drawer is in possession of the bill, he cannot demand
payment from the drawee/acceptor. [Section 43]
Drawee is - Drawee is responsible to pay the bill, if the payment is claimed by any
responsible to subsequent holder (who acquired the bill for value).
subsequent holder - If the drawee pays the bill as above, he gets entitled to recover the
amount from the drawer.
Non presentment - If the bill is not presented to the acceptor for payment by the holder, the
of bill to acceptor drawer does not get relieved of his liability in respect of the bill.
does not relieve - This is so, because the drawer did not suffer any damage due to
drawer presentment. [Section 76(d)]
In case of overdue - An Accommodation Bill can be negotiated after maturity (i.e when it
bills, transferee becomes overdue), with all benefits of a holder in due course to the
acquires a better transfree.[Section 59]
title than - In such a case, the transfree shall acquire a better title than the
transferor transferor.
Failure to give - In case of an accommodation bill, failure to give notice of dishonour
notice of dishonour does not discharge the liability of prior parties. In case of an ordinary
bill, failure to give notice of dishonour discharges all the prior parties.

 Fictitious Bill
 Section 42
An acceptor of a bill of exchange drawn in a fictitious name and payable to the drawer‘s
order is not, by reason that such name is fictitious, relieved from liability to any holder in due
course claiming under an endorsement by the same hand as the drawer‘s signature, and
purporting to be made by the drawer.
 Let us first understand the difference between a fictitious bill and a forged bill
Fictitious - A fictitious bill is one in which the name of both the drawer and payee is
Bill fictitious. It means that the persons whose names are mentioned in the bill as
drawer and payee, are non existent.
Forged - In a forged bill, names of real persons is forged as drawer and payee. Such bill
Bill is a nullity and it confers no title even to the holder in due course.
 A genuine person who accepts a fictitious bill, shall become liable to the ‗holder in due
course‘ for payment of the bill. However, the holder in due course will have to prove that the
handwriting of first endorsement on the bill and the signature of the supposed drawer, is
same.

 Documentary Bill
 A documentary bill is a bill in which the documents which represent the goods are attached.
Such documents may be invoice, bill of lading, railway receipt, marine insurance policy etc.
 These documents are delivered to the buyer when he either accepts or pays the bill.
 Generally, these bills are used in foreign trade.
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 Cheque
Definition
Cheque Section 6 A ―cheque‖ is a bill of exchange
- drawn on a specified banker and
- not expressed to be payable otherwise than on demand and
- it includes the electronic image of a truncated cheque and a
cheque in the electronic form.
Explanation I. —For the purposes of this section, the expressions—
(a) ―a cheque in the electronic form‖ means –
- a cheque which contains the exact mirror image of a paper
cheque, and
- is generated, written and signed in a secure system
- ensuring the minimum safety standards with the use of digital
signature (with or without biometrics signature) and
asymmetric crypto system;
(b) ―a truncated cheque‖ means a cheque
- which is truncated during the course of a clearing cycle,
- either by the clearing house or by the bank whether paying or
receiving payment,
- immediately on generation of an electronic image for
transmission,
- substituting the further physical movement of the cheque in
writing.
Explanation II. —For the purposes of this section, the expression
―clearing house‖ means the clearing house managed by the Reserve
Bank of India or a clearing house recognised as such by the Reserve
Bank of India.]

 A cheque is a bill of exchange which is

 drawn on a bank and
 is payable on demand.
 The essential of a cheque are as under --
 it must be in writing;
 it must contain an unconditional order to a specified banker to pay a specified amount to a
specified person or to the order of the specified person or to the bearer;
 it must be signed by the maker;
 it is always payable on demand.
 Even though a cheque is a type of bill of exchange, it does not require any acceptance from
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drawee i.e. the banker.

 Difference between an electronic cheque and a truncated cheque

Basis of Electronic cheque Truncated Cheque

Difference
Use of Paper is never used. Created in electronic It is conversion of a normal paper
paper form. cheque into truncated for during
clearing cycle.
Digital Use of digital signature is a must in an No digital signature is used. It contains
signatures electronic cheque. image of ink signatures.
Original Original writing of an electronic cheque Original writing on a truncated cheque
writing is in electronic form is on paper and duly signed in ink.

 Similarities between Cheque and other forms of Bill of Exchange-

Basis of similarity Cheque Other forms of Bill of Exchange
Whether bill of Cheque is a form of bill of exchange It is also bill of exchange
exchange
Number of parties Three –Drawer, drawee and payee Three- Drawer, drawee and payee
(drawer and payee may be same (drawer and payee may be same
person) person)
Written and Cheque must be written and signed It must be written and signed
signed
Endorsement Cheque can be endorsed It can be endorsed.
Unconditional Order to pay must be unconditional Order to pay must be unconditional
order

 Difference between a cheque and other forms of Bill of Exchange

Basis of Cheque Other forms of Bill of Exchange
Difference
Acceptance Acceptance by drawee is not Acceptance by drawee is compulsory
required
Who is drawee Drawee is always a banker Drawee can be any person
Payment Always payable on demand It may a time bill or may be payable
on demand
Grace period No grace period is allowed In case of bills other than demand bill,
three days grace period is allowed
Dishonour No system of noting or protest There can be noting or protest.
Crossing Cheque can be crossed It can never be crossed
Stamping No stamping is required Stamping is compulsory

 Marked Cheques
 A cheque need not be presented for acceptance.
 However, a cheque may be got marked or certified by the banker on whom it is drawn, as
―good for payment‖. But this marking is not equivalent to acceptance.
 This marking does not make the banker liable as an acceptor. In case of a post dated cheque,
the banker can still refuse to pay the cheque, if there is no sufficient balance in the account
of the drawer on the date when the cheque is presented for payment.

 Bank Draft
 A bank draft is a bill of exchange drawn by a bank, either –
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 upon itself, or
 another bank
for a sum of money payable to order on demand.
 A bank draft is very much similar to a cheque. But it has following difference—
 it is drawn only by a bank (either on its own branch or on another bank) and not by an
individual;
 it cannot be made payable to bearer.
 For drawing a bank draft, the bank either collects cash from its customers or debits the bank
account of the customer maintained with it. The bank, generally, charges a commission for
drawing a bank draft. The buyer of the bank draft gives the particulars of the person to
whom it is to be paid.

 Classification of Instruments
Bearer and  These instruments have already been explained under the heading ‗Negotiable
order instruments-Meaning‘.
instrument  An instrument which is payable to bearer, is transferable merely by delivery. No
endorsement is required on such instruments. Section 49 provides that a holder of
negotiable instrument in blank (i.e. bearer) may, without signing his own name,
by writing above the endorser‘s signatures, direct that the payment of the
instrument be made to another person. In this way, an endorsee can convert an
endorsement in blank into an endorsement in full.
Inland and Inland Instrument Foreign Instrument
foreign Section 11 Section 12
instrument A promissory note, bill of exchange or Any such instrument not so drawn, made
cheque or made payable shall be deemed to be a
- drawn or made in India, AND foreign instrument.
- made payable in, or drawn upon any A promissory note shall be a foreign
person resident in India instrument, if it is
shall be deemed to be an inland - either made outside India OR
instrument. - made payable outside India.
Thus, a promissory note will be an A bill of exchange (and cheque) shall be
inland instrument if it is a foreign instrument if it is
- made in India AND - either drawn outside India, OR
- also made payable in India. - drawn on a person who is resident
A bill of exchange (and cheque) shall be outside India and made payable
an inland instrument, if it is outside India.
- drawn in India AND Example- 1) A promissory note made in
- drawn upon any person resident in Delhi, but payable in London.
India (or made payable in India). 2) A bill drawn in New York and payable
Example- 1) A promissory note made in Hyderabad.
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in Delhi and made payable in Amritsar, 3) A bill drawn in Delhi, but drawn on a
is a inland instrument. person resident in Moscow(and not
2) A bill drawn in Mumbai and drawn payable in India).
upon a person resident in Chandigarh, 4)A bill drawn in Banglore, but made
shall be an inland instrument, even if it payable in NewYork (and drawn on a
is payable in Washington. person resident in India).
In case of a foreign instrument, the
liability of various parties shall be
regulated as under-
Liability of Regulated by the law of
maker or the place where he made
drawer the instrument.
Liability of Regulated by the law of
acceptor or the place where
endorser instrument is made
payable.
Ambiguous Ambiguous Instruments Inchoate Instruments
and Section 17 Section 20
inchoate - Where an instrument may be If following conditions are fulfilled, a person shall
instruments construed either as a be liable as a party to a negotiable instrument—
promissory note or bill of  a person signs and delivers a stamped paper to
exchange, another person;
- the holder may at his option  such paper is either wholly blank or an
treat it as either, and incomplete negotiable instrument;
- the instrument shall be This is so because he has given prima facie
hence forward treated authority to the other person -
accordingly.  to make a negotiable instrument on the blank
In the following cases, an paper; or
instrument can be treated as  to complete a negotiable instrument on the
either as a bill of exchange or incomplete paper.
a promissory note, at the Such authority is given—
option of the holder—  for an amount specified therein; or
 where the drawer and  for an amount covered by the stamp,
drawee of a bill are the same whichever is lower.
person; The signer of the instrument shall be liable in the
 where the drawee is a person capacity in which he signed (maker, drawer,
incompetent to contract; endorser, acceptor) to any holder in due course.
 where the drawee is a Such liability shall be for abovementioned amount.
fictitious person; However, a holder in due course is entitled to
 where the terms or form of recover from the person who delivered the
the instrument are so instrument to him, an amount which is not more
ambiguous that it is doubtful than the amount intended by him to be paid
that it is a bill of exchange thereunder.
or a promissory note. The person to whom the blank or incomplete
papers are given, acts as an agent of the person
giving such paper. By such signature, he gives the
authority to fill up/complete the instrument.
After the instrument is so completed, the person
who so signed the instrument, is bound in the
capacity in which he signed.
In following cases, the person who signed the
paper is not bound by its content—
 when it is not delivered by him (for example – it
is stolen);
  when it is not filled in or completed;
 when it is not stamped.
Time and  Meaning given in Section 21
demand “after sight” In case of ‗after sight‘ means after presentment
instruments promissory note for sight.
In case of bill of ‗after sight‘ means after
exchange  acceptance, or
 noting of non acceptance, or
 protest of non acceptance.
“At sight” or In case of promissory note or bill of exchange, this
“on expression means ‗on demand‘.
presentment”
 Now, let us study the terms ‗time instrument‘ and ‗demand instrument‘
Time Instrument (after sight) Demand Instrument (at sight)
A time instrument is an instrument As per section 19, a demand instrument
which is payable— is one in which –
 after a fixed time (say 3 months); or  no time for payment is mentioned, or
 on a specified date (say 21st August  it is expressly given that it is payable
2016); or on demand.
 on the happening of an event which Demand instrument can be in form of
is certain to happen (say death of a promissory note, bill of exchange, or
person). cheque.
Time instrument can be in form of a ―On demand‖ means that the instrument
promissory note or a bill of exchange, is ‗immediately payable‘.
but not a cheque. A cheque is always Such instruments can be presented for
payable on demand. payment at anytime at the option of
Payment of a promissory note can be holder.
demanded only after note has been The period of limitation shall as under-
exhibited to maker. If the instrument From the date of its
In this case, the period of limitation is payable ‘at presentment
starts from the date of maturity. sight’
In any other case From the date of its
execution.
Time limit for making the drawer or
endorser liable is as under—
Liability Only if it is presented
of drawer within a reasonable time
after its issue
Liability Only if it is presented
of within a reasonable time
endorser after endorsement

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Find More at [Link]
 Acceptor Find More at [Link]
 Section 7
- After the drawee of a bill has signed his assent upon the bill, or,
- if there are more parts thereof than one, upon one of such parts, and
- delivered the same, or given notice of such signing to the holder or to some person on his
behalf,
- he is called the acceptor.
 If the drawee of the bill gives his acceptance to the bill, he is known as the acceptor. After
giving such acceptance, he becomes liable to the holder.
 Acceptance refers to conveying the assent to the order of the drawer by delivering or notifying
the assent. Acceptance is generally made by writing the word ‗accepted‘ and signing across the
bill.
 Section 33
No person except
 the drawee of a bill of exchange, or
 all or some of several drawees, or
 a person named therein as a drawee in case of need, or
 an acceptor for honour,
can bind himself by an acceptance.
 Find More at [Link]

 Section 34
Where there are several drawees of a bill of exchange who are not partners, each of them can
accept it for himself, but none of them can accept it for another without his authority.
 Apart from the four persons mentioned in Section 33 above, following persons may also accept
a bill of exchange –
 an agent of any of the abovementioned four persons;
 in case where no drawee has been mentioned in the bill of exchange and a person
accepts it, such person cannot deny his liability to the bill.
 Drawee in case of need
 Section 7
- When in the bill or any endorsement thereon
- the name of any person is given
- in addition to the drawee, to be resorted to in case of need,
- such person is called a ―drawee in case of need‖
 Sometimes, in addition to the name of the drawee, the name of one more person is
mentioned in the bill. Such person is to be approached if the drawee fails to accept or pay
the bill. As such person is approached only in case of need, he is known as ‗drawee in
case of need‘. A bill is considered as dishonoured only when it been presented to ‗drawee
in case of need‘.
 A drawee in case of need may accept and pay the bill of exchange without previous
protest [Section 116]

 Acceptor for honour

 Section 7
When a bill of exchange has been noted or protested for non acceptance or for better
security, and any person accepts it supra protest for honour of the drawer or of anyone of
the endorsers, such person is called an ―acceptor for honour‖.
 An ‗acceptor for honour‘ voluntarily becomes party to a bill of exchange.

 The essentials of a valid acceptance are as under –

1 Acceptance must A verbal acceptance has no meaning. It must be in writing.
be in writing However, no fixed format of words have been prescribed.
2 Acceptance must The person accepting the bill must put his signatures on the bill.
be signed
3 Acceptance must Acceptance must be given on the bill itself. It can be either on the
be on the bill face of the bill or on the backside. Acceptance given on a separate
paper is not valid.
4 Acceptance must  Acceptance is complete only when the acceptor either –
be completed by  delivers the accepted bill to the holder, or
delivery  tenders notice of such acceptance to the holder of bill
or to some person on his behalf.
5 Acceptance can  Acceptances are of two types-
be general or General When the bill is accepted without putting any
qualified acceptance qualifications to the order of the drawer, it is known
as general acceptance. Here, the order of drawer is
accepted as it is.
Qualified In case of qualified acceptance, the order of the
acceptance drawer is not accepted as it is, but some conditions
and qualifications are added to it before giving
acceptance. Through qualified acceptance, the
acceptor either reduces his liability or accepts the
liability but with certain conditions. The holder of
the bill is entitled to refuse such qualified acceptance
and treat the bill as dishonoured. If the holder
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accepts such qualified acceptance, without the

consent of the prior parties, the latter are discharged
from their liability.

 As per Explanation to Section 86, an acceptance is considered to be qualified–

Where a condition is Where the acceptance states that payment of the bill will be
attached to the acceptance dependant on the happening of an event, it is a qualified
acceptance.
Where only a part of the If acceptance is given for payment of only a part of the sum
sum ordered to be paid, is that was originally ordered to be paid, it is a qualifies
accepted acceptance.
Where it is qualified on Where no place of If acceptor undertakes to pay at a
the basis of location payment has been specified place, and not otherwise or
specified in the order elsewhere, it is a qualified acceptance
Where a place of If the acceptor undertakes to pay at
payment has been some other place, and not otherwise
specified in the order or elsewhere, it is a qualified
acceptance.
Where it is qualified on Where it undertakes the payment at a time other than that at
the basis of time which under the order it would be legally due.
 Find More at [Link]
 Holder
 Section 8
The holder of a promissory note, bill of exchange or cheque means any person entitled in his own
name to the possession thereof and to receive or recover the amount due thereon from the parties
thereto.
Where the note, bill or cheque is lost or destroyed, its holder is the person so entitled at the time
of such loss or destruction.
 Thus, the term ‗holder‘ refers to a person who is in possession of the instrument and is a payee or
endorsee of such negotiable instrument.
 ―Holder for value‖ means, as regards all parties prior to himself, a holder of an instrument for
which value has at anytime been given.
 The holder of a negotiable instrument enjoys following rights-
 he can negotiate the instrument (subject to certain exceptions);
 only he can sue upon the negotiable instrument;
 he can give a valid discharge for the instrument.

 Following conditions must be satisfied by a person for being termed as ‗holder‘-

Entitlement  The holder may or may not possess the instrument. But, he should have the
to possess right to possess the instrument under some legal or valid title.
the  Following persons are treated as holder of instrument-
instrument  a person who is named as a payee;
in his own  a person who is named as an endorsee;
name  a person who is a bearer of the instrument (only in case of bearer
instrument).
 In addition to above, following persons are also treated as holder (even
though they are not named as payee/endorsee and are not bearer as above)-
 heir of deceased holder;
 any person who becomes entitled to instrument by operation of law.
 The emphasis is on the point that the person should be legally entitled to
possess the instrument. He may or may not be physically possessing it.
 Find More at [Link]

 Thus, a person will not be called ‗holder‘ if he is not legally entitled to

possess the instrument in his own name. Even if such person is in possession
of the instrument, he shall not be a ‗holder‘. Example- a thief, an endorsee
under a forged endorsement, a finder of the instrument.
Entitlement  In order to be termed as ‗holder‘, the person must have—
to receive or  the right to receive or recover the amount of the instrument; and
recover the  the authority to give a valid discharge to the payer.
amount due  Thus, if a person is entitled to possession of the instrument, but has been
on the prohibited by court from receiving the amount due on the instrument, he
instrument shall still not be called ‗holder‘.
from the  Example- an agent of the ‗holder‘ does not become ‗holder‘ himself,
parties liable because he has no right to sue for the payment of the instrument.
thereto.

 Holder in due course

 Section 9
―Holder in due course‖ means any person who for consideration became
- the possessor of a promissory note, bill of exchange or cheque if payable to bearer, or
- the payee or endorsee thereof, if payable to order,
before the amount mentioned in it became payable, and without having sufficient cause to
believe that any defect existed in the title of the person from whom he derived his title.
 The meaning of holder in due course is as under—
When the ―Holder in due Course‖ is a person who obtained the possession of the
instrument is instrument for consideration, before the amount mentioned in the
payable to bearer instrument became payable.
When the ―Holder in due course‖ is the person who becomes the payee or endorsee
instrument is of the instrument, for consideration, before the amount mentioned in the
payable to order instrument became payable.
 In both the above cases, such person must have received the instrument without having sufficient
cause to believe that any defect existed in the title of the person from whom he derived his title.
 Thus, following are the essentials for a ―Holder in due course‖—
 He must have obtained the possession (or became payee/endorsee) for consideration;
 He should have obtained possession before the amount mentioned in the instrument became
payable;
 He should not have any knowledge of the defect existing in the title of the person from
whom he derived his title;
 He must have become holder in good faith;
 He must have taken the negotiable instrument complete and regular on the face of it.
 Find More at [Link]

 Privileges of Holder in due course

In case of  In case of an inchoate instrument, if the holder fills an amount higher than the
inchoate authorised amount, he cannot claim the unauthorised amount. He can only
stamped claim the authorised amount.
instrument  However, in case such an instrument is transferred to a holder in due course,
(Section 20) he can claim the entire amount written in the instrument (provided the stamp
is sufficient to cover the amount).
 Thus, the defence that the instrument has not been filled in accordance with
the authority, cannot be taken against the holder in due course.
 Example- X signs a blank stamped instrument and hands it over to Y with
the authority to fill ₹ 10000/-. But, Y fills in ₹ 15000/-. Now, as Y is a holder,
he cannot claim any amount in excess of ₹ 10000/-. Suppose, Y transfers the
instrument to Z for a consideration of ₹ 15000/-. Z takes it in good faith. As Z
is a holder in due course, he has every authority to recover ₹ 15000/- from X.
In case of  Fictitious bill is one in which the name of the drawer and payee is of persons
fictitious bill who are non existent.
(Section 42)  If the ‗holder in due course‘ is able to prove that the handwriting of first
endorsement on the bill and the signature of the drawer, is the same, then the
acceptor cannot refuse to pay such ‗holder in due course‘ on the pretext that
the name of the drawer is fictitious.
In case of  In case a bill or note is negotiated to a holder in due course, the other parties
conditional to the bill or note cannot avoid liability on the ground that the delivery of the
instrument or instrument was conditional or for a special purpose only.[Section 46 & 47]
„escrow‟
In case the  In a suit filed by the ‗holder in due course‘, validity of the instrument as
original originally made or drawn, cannot be denied by any of the following persons-
validity of the  maker of promissory note;
instrument is  drawer of a bill or cheque;
denied  acceptor of a bill for the honour of drawer. [Section 120]
In case where  The ‗holder in due course‘ can obtain payment from the person who is liable
instrument is in a negotiable instrument was –
obtained by  lost by the party liable on the instrument; or
unlawful  obtained from such party by means of an offence or fraud or for an
means or for unlawful consideration. [Section 58]
unlawful
consideration
In case payee‟s  No maker of a promissory note and no acceptor of a bill of exchange payable
capacity to to order shall, in a suit thereon by a ‗holder in due course‘, be permitted to
endorse is deny the payee‘s capacity, at the date of the note or bill, to endorse the same.
denied  Thus, the holder in due course gets a good title to the instrument.
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 Holder deriving title from holder in due course

 Section 53
A holder of a negotiable instrument who derives title from a holder in due course has the rights
thereon of that holder in due course.

 Distinction between holder and „holder in due course‟

SN Basis of difference Holder Holder in due course
1 Consideration May possess the instrument even Acquires the instrument only
without consideration for consideration
2 Time of possession Holder may get the possession of Must become the possessor of
the instrument even after the date instrument before the amount
when amount becomes payable becomes payable
3 Title Gets the same title as that of the Gets better title than the
transferor transferor
4 Acquiring the Not Applicable Becomes the payee of the
instrument in good instrument on good faith, i.e.
faith without having sufficient
cause to believe that any
defect existed in the
transferor‘s title.

 Maturity
 Section 22
The maturity of a promissory note or bill of exchange is the date at which it falls due.
Days of grace.—Every promissory note or bill of exchange which is not expressed to be payable
on demand, at sight or on presentment is at maturity on the third day after the day on which it is
expressed to be payable.
Maturity in case A cheque is always payable on demand. Therefore, it becomes immediately
of cheques payable on the date of its execution. So, there is no question of maturity.
Maturity in case When it is payable There is no question of maturity because the
of promissory on demand instrument is payable immediately.
notes and bill of When it is payable There is a maturity date in case of only these
exchange otherwise than on instruments. The detailed provisions in relation to its
demand maturity has been given underneath.

 A promissory note or bill of exchange is at maturity three days after the date on which it is
expressed to be payable (but only in cases where it is not expressed to be payable on demand, at
sight or on presentment). Three days are allowed as grace. Such instruments cannot be presented
on the date on which it is expressed to be payable, but only after another three days of grace.
 In case of bills payable after sight, from which date the period shall be counted –
Where a bill is payable after a fixed period after sight, the time is to be calculated from—
 the date of acceptance (where the bill is accepted); OR
 the date of noting or protest (where the bill is noted or protested for non acceptance).
 In case of a promissory note, the expression ‗after sight‘ means after exhibition thereof to maker
for founding a claim for payment.
 In the case of a bill payable after a stipulated number of months after sight which has been
accepted for honour, the date of its maturity is calculated from the date of acceptance for honour.
‗Acceptance for honour‘ has been explained in a later chapter under Section 108.
 Calculating maturity of a bill or promissory note (Section 23)
When the  The period of the instrument shall terminate as under--
instrument When it is The stated period terminates on the day of the month which
is payable made corresponds with the day on which the instrument is dated.
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a certain payable after Example- A bill is drawn on 15th January 2015 and accepted on
number of a stated 20th January 2015. It is for ₹ 5000/- payable after three months.
months number of The stated period shall expire on 15th April 2015 (i.e. the
after date months after corresponding day after 3 months from the day on which it is
or sight date drawn). The instrument matures three days thereafter, i.e. on
18th April.
When it is The stated period terminates on the day of the month which
made corresponds with –
payable after  the day on which it is presented for acceptance or sight; OR
a stated  the day on which it is noted for non-acceptance; OR
number of  the day on which it is protested for non acceptance.
months after Example- In the above case, if the bill is accepted by drawee,
sight the period of the bill shall terminate on 20th April 2015 (i.e. the
corresponding day after 3 months from the date on which it is
presented for acceptance). The bill matures on 23rd April 2015.
However, if the bill is not accepted and the drawer gets it noted
for non acceptance on 22nd January 2015, the period terminates
on 22nd April 2015 and bill maturity date shall be 25th April
2015.
When it is The stated period terminates on the day of the month which
made corresponds with the day on which event happens.
payable a Example- A bill is payable 3 months after death of Mr. X.
stated Mr. X dies on 20 May 2015. The period of bill terminates on
number of 20th August 2015. Bill matures on 23rd August 2015.
months after
a certain
event
 If the month in which the above period terminates, has no corresponding day,
the period terminates on last day of such month.
Illustration given in Section 23
(a) A negotiable instrument dated 29th January, 1878, is made payable at
one month after date. The instrument is at maturity on the third day after
the 28th February, 1878.
(b) A promissory note or bill of exchange, dated 31st August, 1878, is made
payable three months after date. The instrument is at maturity on the 3rd
December, 1878.
When the  As per Section 24, in cases where the bill or note is made payable at certain
instrument number of days after date or after sight or after a certain event, below
is payable mentioned day shall be excluded—
so many  day of date; or
days after  day of presentment for acceptance; or
date or  day of sight; or
sight  day of protest for non acceptance; or
 day on which the certain event happens.

 What if the date of maturity is a public holiday

If the date of maturity of promissory note or bill of exchange is a public holiday, the instrument
will mature on the next preceding business day. Example- If a bill matures on 15th August 2015,
which is a public holiday, the maturity date shall be deemed to be 14th August 2015. If 14th
August 2015 also happens to be a public holiday, then 13th August 2015 will be the date of
maturity.
 ―Public holiday‖ includes –
 Sunday; and
 any other day declared by the Central Government, by notification in the Official Gazette,
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to be a public holiday.
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 Payment in due course [Section 10]

 Section 10
‗‗Payment in due course‖ means
- payment in accordance with the apparent tenor of the instrument
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- in good faith and without negligence to any person in possession thereof

- under circumstances which do not afford a reasonable ground for believing that he is not
entitled to receive payment of the amount therein mentioned.
 In order to operate as a valid discharge of the instrument, following conditions must be fulfilled-
Payment should be  ‗Apparent tenor‘ refers to the tenure mentioned on the instrument,
made in with the consent of the parties.
accordance with  Therefore, the payment should be made at or after maturity.
the apparent tenor  If the payment is made before maturity, it shall not be a ‗payment in
of the instrument due course‘ because it is not made in accordance with ‗apparent
tenure‘.
Payment to be  Payment should be made in terms of money only, unless the holder
made in money agrees to accept payment in a different form.
only
Payment should be  Payment should be made to either-
made to the person  holder of the instrument; or
who is in  a person authorised to receive payment on behalf of holder.
possession of the  But if there are circumstances which afford a reasonable ground for
instrument believing that the possessor of the instrument is not entitled to
receive payment, it should not be paid to him. If it is paid to him, it
shall not be a payment in due course.
Instrument  In such case, if the instrument has not been endorsed
payable to a by such person, then payment to any other person
particular shall not constitute ‗payment in due course‘.
person or  However, if the instrument has been endorsed in
order blank, the possessor of the instrument can be paid
and it shall be treated as ‗payment in due course‘.
But, no suspicious circumstances should exist.
Instrument  In such case, the possessor of the instrument can be
payable to paid if no suspicious circumstances exist. It shall be
bearer treated as ‗payment in due course‘.
Payment should be  Payment should be made-
made in good faith  in good faith;
 without negligence; and
 under circumstances which do not afford a reasonable ground
for believing that the person to whom it is made is not entitled to
receive the amount.
 In case of suspicious circumstances, the person making the payment
should immediately enquire about the details. If he makes the
payment negligently, it will not be treated as ‗payment in due
course‘. Even his liability to real holder for value will not be
discharged.
 Who can pay a bill of exchange
Any party to a bill can pay the bill. After payment, such party acquires the right of the holder
against all the parties prior to him. Generally, a stranger cannot pay a bill, but he can pay supra
protest and for honour of some party to the bill or note.
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 Capacity of Parties
 Section 26
- Every person capable of contracting, according to the law to which he is subject,
- may bind himself and be bound by
- the making, drawing , acceptance, endorsement, delivery and negotiation
- of a promissory note, bill of exchange or cheque.
 Section 26 makes it clear that the person who have the capacity to contract, are also capable to incur
liability on a negotiable instrument.
 In relation to parties which are not competent to contract (like a minor)—
 such persons cannot be liable as a party to a negotiable instrument, but
 can make other parties liable because he can be a payee or promisee.
If some of the parties to a The instrument shall be void against such incompetent parties.
negotiable instrument are not Other parties who are competent to contract shall remain liable.
competent to contract Hence, the incompetent party can make the competent party liable.
When all the parties to a The instrument shall be null and void.
negotiable instrument are
incompetent to contract

 The provisions relating to various such persons in a negotiable instrument are as under –
Minor  Section 26
A minor may draw, endorse, deliver and negotiate such instrument so as to bind all
parties except himself.
 The position of a minor in relation to a negotiable instrument is as under-
 A minor can be a party to a negotiable instrument. He can draw, endorse, deliver
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and negotiate a negotiable instrument.

 But a minor cannot incur any liability on such instrument. Adult parties remain liable
thereon.
 A minor can acquire rights under a negotiable instrument (including right to sue
through his guardian).
 A minor can be a promisee/payee/endorsee.
Body  Section 26
corporate Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to empower a corporation to make, endorse
or accept such instruments except in case in which, under the law for the time being in
force, they are so empowered.
 A company can draw, accept or negotiate a negotiable instrument only when it is
authorised for such acts by its Memorandum of Association. In the absence of any such
authority, any instrument drawn/accepted/negotiated by company shall be void.
When the Memorandum of The company can draw/accept/negotiate a negotiable
Association authorises the instrument. It can also be a payee/endorsee/holder.
company to draw/accept or In case of trading The authority is implied
negotiate a negotiable company
instrument In case of other The Memorandum should give
companies express authority in this regard.
When the Memorandum of In such cases, the company cannot
Association does not authorise draw/accept/negotiate an instrument. But it can be a
the company to payee/endorsee/holder. It can also enforce the payment
draw/accept/negotiate an of the amount of the instrument.
instrument
Agent  A person who has the capacity to make/draw/accept/endorse a negotiable instrument,
(Section can also do so through a duly authorised agent. Such person may bind himself or be
27) bound by a duly authorised agent acting in his name. Thus, such person shall incur
liability to the instrument through his agent.
 Where a person appoints an agent to transact the business on his behalf (and also to
receive and discharge debts), it does not mean that the agent has been authorised to
accept or endorse bills of exchange on behalf of principal.
 Where the principal authorises his agent to draw bills of exchange, it does not mean
that the agent has also been authorised for endorsing the bill.
 Thus, Principal shall give authority in clear terms to agent.
 When an agent signs any instrument, he shall clearly mention thereon that—
 he signs as an agent, or
 he does not intend thereby to incur personal liability.
 If the agent fails to mention as above, he shall be held personally liable on the
instrument. However, if anybody induced the agent to sign on the belief that the
principal only shall be liable, then the agent shall not be personally liable.[Section 28]
Legal  The legal representative of a deceased person, who signs an instrument (as
represent make/drawee/acceptor/endorser) shall be personally liable thereon.
ative  However, he can limit his liability to the extent of assets inherited by him from the said
deceased, by expressly mentioning therein that he is not personally liable.