Chapter X - Of Reasonable Time
Section 105
Section 105: reasonable time
Section 105 guides reasonable-time calculations for presentment, dishonour notice and noting.
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Need advice on Section 105?
This article is for general information. Refer to the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
In determining what is a reasonable time for presentment for acceptance or payment, for giving notice of dishonour and for noting, regard shall be had to the nature of the instrument and the usual course of dealing with respect to similar instruments; and, in calculating such time, public holidays shall be excluded.
Applicability and limits
Provides the general reasonable-time method for presentment, dishonour notice and noting.
It gives factors rather than a universal number of days; specific provisions such as Section 106 may add a more concrete timing test.
Hypothetical example
Hypothetical: a public holiday intervenes between dishonour and notice. The holder excludes it while assessing reasonable time and records normal dealing practice.
Steps and evidence
Identify the act and instrument involved.
Check the usual course of dealing with similar instruments.
Exclude public holidays, then compare any more specific statutory timing rule.
Practical checklist
Do
- Identify the action whose timing is in issue.
- Consider the instrument’s nature and usual course of similar dealing.
- Exclude public holidays in calculating time.
Avoid
- It gives factors rather than a universal number of days; specific provisions such as Section 106 may add a more concrete timing test.
Glossary
- Usual course of dealing
- Ordinary commercial practice for similar instruments.
- Public holiday
- A holiday excluded from this reasonable-time calculation.
Frequently asked questions
Are public holidays counted in reasonable time?
Section 105 says public holidays are excluded in calculating that time.
Does Section 105 set one fixed deadline?
No. It lists factors and excludes public holidays.
Does this replace Section 106?
No. Section 106 gives more specific notice-timing guidance.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026