Chapter XIV - Of Crossed Cheques
Section 131A
Section 131A: Crossed-cheque provisions applied to drafts
Section 131A extends the crossed-cheque chapter to drafts falling within the definition referenced in section 85A.
On this page
Need advice on Section 131A?
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
The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to any draft, as defined in section 85A, as if the draft were a cheque.
Key rule and applicability
For a qualifying section 85A draft, apply this chapter as if it were a cheque. The cross-reference determines which drafts are covered.
Limits and related provisions
The word draft should not be treated as covering every document informally given that name. Verify the section 85A definition and then apply the particular crossed-cheque provision with its own conditions.
Hypothetical business example
Hypothetical: a business holds a bank draft bearing a crossing. It first checks the section 85A definition, then analyses the applicable payment-route or title restriction from the crossed-cheque chapter.
Practical decision flow
Obtain the actual draft and the relevant banking details.
Check whether the draft satisfies the referenced section 85A definition.
Apply the relevant chapter provision as if the qualifying draft were a cheque, preserving that provision’s conditions.
Practical checklist
Do
- Obtain the actual draft and the relevant banking details.
- Check whether the draft satisfies the referenced section 85A definition.
- Apply the relevant chapter provision as if the qualifying draft were a cheque, preserving that provision’s conditions.
Avoid
- The word draft should not be treated as covering every document informally given that name. Verify the section 85A definition and then apply the particular crossed-cheque provision with its own conditions.
Glossary
- Qualifying draft
- A draft within the definition in section 85A.
- Application as a cheque
- The statutory extension of this chapter’s rules to the qualifying draft.
Frequently asked questions
Does the rule apply only to one crossed-cheque section?
The text extends the provisions of the whole chapter.
Which definition must be checked?
The draft definition referenced in section 85A.
Does extension remove the individual provisions’ conditions?
No. The relevant chapter rules still have their own requirements and limitations.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026