Chapter II - Of Notes, Bills and Cheques
Section 21
Section 21: At sight, on presentment and after sight
Section 21 distinguishes payment at sight or on presentment from payment after sight, and gives different after-sight triggers for notes and bills.
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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 a promissory note or bill of exchange the expressions “at sight” and “on presentment” mean on demand. The expression “after sight” means, in a promissory note, after presentment for sight, and, in a bill of exchange, after acceptance, or noting for non-acceptance, or protest for non-acceptance.
Key rule and applicability
At sight and on presentment mean on demand. For a note, after sight means after presentment for sight; for a bill, it means after acceptance, noting for non-acceptance or protest for non-acceptance.
Limits and related provisions
Do not treat after sight as the same as after the document’s issue date. Identify whether the instrument is a note or bill and retain evidence of the correct event before calculating any stated period.
Hypothetical business example
Hypothetical: a bill is payable a month after sight. The holder identifies the legally relevant acceptance or non-acceptance event and its date rather than counting automatically from the drawing date.
Practical decision flow
Read the exact sight or presentment phrase used.
Identify the note or bill category and corresponding statutory trigger.
Retain the event record before applying the maturity calculation provisions.
Practical checklist
Do
- Read the exact sight or presentment phrase used.
- Identify the note or bill category and corresponding statutory trigger.
- Retain the event record before applying the maturity calculation provisions.
Avoid
- Do not treat after sight as the same as after the document’s issue date. Identify whether the instrument is a note or bill and retain evidence of the correct event before calculating any stated period.
Glossary
- At sight
- An expression meaning on demand under this section.
- After sight
- The timing expression whose trigger differs between a note and a bill.
Frequently asked questions
Does at sight mean on demand?
Yes, as does on presentment in this provision.
What starts after-sight timing for a note?
Presentment for sight.
Does after sight run from the date the bill was drawn?
No. For a bill, use the applicable acceptance, noting for non-acceptance or protest for non-acceptance trigger.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026