Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 · Chapter II: Of Notes, Billsand Cheques
Section 13: ''Negotiable instrument''
[(1) A negotiable instrument means a promissory note, bill of exchange or cheque payable either to order or to bearer.
Explanation (i) — A promissory note, bill of exchange or cheque is payable to order which is expressed to be so payable or which is expressed to be payable to a particular person, and does not contain words prohibiting transfer or indicating an intention that it shall not be transferable.
Explanation (ii) — A promissory note, bill of exchange or cheque is payble to bearer which is expressed to be so payable or on which the only or last indorsement is an indorsement in blank.
Explanation (iii) — Where a promissory note, bill of exchange or cheque, either originally or by indorsement, is expressed to be payable to the order of a specified person, and not to him or his order, it is nevertheless payable to him or his order at his option.]
[(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 two, or one or some of serveral payees.]
Source: India Code (indiacode.gov.in), the consolidated text published by the Legislative Department, Government of India. Text as updated on India Code on 15 October 2026. Words in square brackets [ ] were inserted or substituted by later amending Acts, and *** marks words omitted by an amendment. The amendment footnotes are not reproduced here. Official text on India Code.