Chapter XIV - Of Crossed Cheques
Section 124
Section 124: Cheque crossed specially
Section 124 treats a banker’s name across a cheque’s face as a special crossing to that banker.
On this page
Need advice on Section 124?
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
Where a cheque bears across its face an addition of the name of a banker, either with or without the words “not negotiable,” that addition shall be deemed a crossing and the cheque shall be deemed to be crossed specially, and to be crossed to that banker.
Applicability and limits
The identifying feature is the added name of a banker. The words “not negotiable” may accompany the name, but the section does not require those words.
The added banker’s name matters for the payment route under section 126. Do not assume that a special crossing can be disregarded merely because the payee asks for a different route.
Hypothetical example
Hypothetical: a cheque bears the name of a particular bank across its face. It is specially crossed to that bank; payment handling must consider the corresponding special-crossing rule.
Evidence and decision flow
Record the exact banker named on the cheque face.
Check for an additional “not negotiable” direction.
Review the intended recipient bank or collection agent against section 126.
Practical checklist
Do
- Record the exact banker named on the cheque face.
- Check for an additional “not negotiable” direction.
- Review the intended recipient bank or collection agent against section 126.
Avoid
- The added banker’s name matters for the payment route under section 126. Do not assume that a special crossing can be disregarded merely because the payee asks for a different route.
Glossary
- Special crossing
- A cheque crossing naming the banker to whom it is crossed.
- Named banker
- The banker identified by the special crossing.
Frequently asked questions
Must a special crossing include “not negotiable”?
No. The section expressly permits the marking with or without those words.
What makes it special rather than general?
The addition of a banker’s name across the cheque face.
Which provision governs payment to that banker?
Section 126 states the payment restriction for a specially crossed cheque.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026