Chapter V - Of Presentment
Section 62
Section 62: Presentment of a note for sight
Section 62 sets the presentment-for-sight requirements for a promissory note payable a specified period after sight.
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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
A promissory note, payable at a certain period after sight, must be presented to the maker thereof for sight (if he can after reasonable search be found) by a person entitled to demand payment, within a reasonable time after it is made and in business hours on a business day. In default of such presentment, no party thereto is liable thereon to the person making such default.
Key rule and applicability
Presentment is to the maker, if found after reasonable search, by a person entitled to demand payment. It must occur within a reasonable time after making the note, in business hours on a business day.
Limits and related provisions
This is presentment for sight, not merely the later demand for payment at maturity. The stated consequence of default concerns liability to the person making that default; do not restate it as automatic cancellation of every right held by anyone.
Hypothetical business example
Hypothetical: a supplier holds a note payable thirty days after sight. It arranges proper presentment for sight to the maker and keeps the date and time record rather than assuming the note’s issue date starts the sight-based period.
Practical decision flow
Confirm that the note is payable a period after sight.
Document reasonable search, the presenter’s entitlement and presentment to the maker.
Keep the business-day and business-hour evidence for the maturity and liability analysis.
Practical checklist
Do
- Confirm that the note is payable a period after sight.
- Document reasonable search, the presenter’s entitlement and presentment to the maker.
- Keep the business-day and business-hour evidence for the maturity and liability analysis.
Avoid
- This is presentment for sight, not merely the later demand for payment at maturity. The stated consequence of default concerns liability to the person making that default; do not restate it as automatic cancellation of every right held by anyone.
Glossary
- After sight
- The instrument’s sight-based payment timing, read with the Act’s definitions.
- Presentment for sight
- The act of presenting the note to the maker for the purpose described here.
Frequently asked questions
Who must receive the presentment?
The maker of the promissory note, subject to the stated reasonable-search condition.
May any possessor present without checking entitlement?
The section specifies a person entitled to demand payment.
Is later payment presentment the same requirement?
No. This provision concerns presenting an after-sight note for sight; later payment requirements must also be checked.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026