Chapter V - Of Presentment
Section 66
Section 66: presentment for payment of instrument payable after date or sight
Section 66 ties presentment of a note or bill payable after date or sight to its maturity.
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Need advice on Section 66?
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, made payable at a specified period after date or sight thereof, must be presented for payment at maturity.
Applicability and limits
A note or bill payable a specified period after date or sight must be presented for payment at maturity.
The instrument’s maturity must first be calculated correctly; the rule does not govern every demand instrument.
Hypothetical example
Hypothetical: a bill is payable 30 days after sight. The holder records when it was sighted and calculates maturity before seeking payment.
Evidence and decision flow
Identify “after date” or “after sight” wording.
Determine the date from which the specified period runs.
Calculate maturity and present for payment then.
Practical checklist
Do
- Read whether the instrument runs after date or after sight.
- Calculate maturity using the Act’s maturity provisions.
- Present for payment at maturity.
Avoid
- Do not assume one statutory step replaces a separate presentment, dishonour or notice requirement.
Glossary
- After sight
- A time period measured from presentment for sight or acceptance.
- Maturity
- The time at which the note or bill falls due for payment.
Frequently asked questions
When is an after-sight bill presented for payment?
Section 66 requires presentment for payment at maturity.
Does Section 66 apply to a cheque?
The text addresses promissory notes and bills payable a specified period after date or sight.
What if maturity is miscalculated?
Review the Act’s maturity provisions before presentment; Section 66 requires payment presentment at maturity.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026