Chapter V - Of Presentment
Section 65
Section 65: hours for presentment
Section 65 fixes the hours for presenting an instrument for payment.
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Need advice on Section 65?
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
Presentment for payment must be made during the usual hours of business and, if at a banker's within banking hours.
Applicability and limits
Presentment for payment is to occur during usual business hours; at a banker it must be within banking hours.
The section does not itself fix a universal clock time; the relevant business or bank hours must be established for the place and day.
Hypothetical example
Hypothetical: a collection clerk arrives at a bank after its banking hours. The business records the attempted time and arranges proper presentment.
Evidence and decision flow
Identify the place of presentment.
Verify its usual business or banking hours.
Record the actual presentment time and response.
Practical checklist
Do
- Identify where payment must be demanded.
- Record the date and time of presentment.
- For a bank presentment, check the bank’s actual banking hours.
Avoid
- Do not assume one statutory step replaces a separate presentment, dishonour or notice requirement.
Glossary
- Presentment
- Formal production of an instrument for payment.
- Banking hours
- The hours during which the relevant banker conducts the payment business.
Frequently asked questions
Can a holder present at a bank after banking hours?
Section 65 calls for presentment at a banker within banking hours.
Does Section 65 give a single national cut-off time?
No. It refers to usual business hours and the banker’s banking hours.
Why record the time of presentment?
It helps establish whether the statutory timing condition was met.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026