Chapter II - Of Notes, Bills and Cheques
Section 19
Section 19: instruments payable on demand
Section 19 makes a note or bill without a specified payment time, and a cheque, payable on demand.
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Need advice on Section 19?
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
A promissory note or bill of exchange, in which no time for payment is specified, and a cheque, are payable on demand.
Applicability and limits
A promissory note or bill of exchange without a specified time for payment, and a cheque, are payable on demand.
“On demand” classifies the payment time; it does not eliminate applicable presentment requirements or establish that payment has been demanded.
Hypothetical example
Hypothetical: a note promises payment but gives no date. The holder treats it as payable on demand and then checks Section 74 for presentment timing.
Evidence and decision flow
Inspect the payment-time wording.
Classify a note or bill without a specified time, or a cheque, under Section 19.
Apply relevant presentment and demand rules.
Practical checklist
Do
- Read the instrument for an express payment time.
- If none appears on a note or bill, evaluate it as payable on demand.
- Do not import the separate maturity rules for an instrument with a stated future payment time.
Avoid
- Do not rely on the label of an instrument alone; read its wording and the related Act provisions.
Glossary
- Payable on demand
- Payment is due upon demand rather than at a specified future time.
- Specified time
- A payment date or determinable time expressed in the note or bill.
Frequently asked questions
Does a note without a payment date automatically have a later maturity date?
No. Section 19 makes it payable on demand.
Is every cheque payable on demand?
Section 19 states that a cheque is payable on demand.
Does this section alone set a presentment deadline?
No. Presentment is addressed in other sections, including Section 74.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026