Chapter V - Of Presentment
Section 70
Section 70: Presentment without the specified-place setting
Section 70 directs payment presentment where a note or bill is outside the specified-place settings addressed in sections 68 and 69.
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Need advice on Section 70?
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, not made payable as mentioned in sections 68 and 69, must be presented for payment at the place of business (if any), or at the usual residence, of the maker, drawee or acceptor thereof, as the case may be.
Key rule and applicability
The relevant locations are the place of business, if any, or usual residence of the maker, drawee or acceptor as appropriate to the instrument. Start by confirming that sections 68 and 69 do not supply the payment-place rule.
Limits and related provisions
A familiar address is not enough without identifying whose business or usual residence it is. If there is no known place of business or fixed residence and no place is specified, section 71 addresses the different personal-presentment setting.
Hypothetical business example
Hypothetical: a bill does not state a payment place within the preceding provisions. The holder identifies the appropriate party’s business address or usual residence and records where payment presentment occurred.
Practical decision flow
Check the instrument against sections 68 and 69 first.
Identify the appropriate maker, drawee or acceptor and relevant business or usual-residence address.
Preserve evidence of presentment or, if the necessary addresses are unknown, examine section 71’s conditions.
Practical checklist
Do
- Check the instrument against sections 68 and 69 first.
- Identify the appropriate maker, drawee or acceptor and relevant business or usual-residence address.
- Preserve evidence of presentment or, if the necessary addresses are unknown, examine section 71’s conditions.
Avoid
- A familiar address is not enough without identifying whose business or usual residence it is. If there is no known place of business or fixed residence and no place is specified, section 71 addresses the different personal-presentment setting.
Glossary
- Usual residence
- The normal residence referred to by the provision.
- Relevant party
- The maker, drawee or acceptor appropriate to the instrument.
Frequently asked questions
When does section 70’s location rule apply?
To a note or bill not made payable as mentioned in sections 68 and 69.
Does the section refer only to a business address?
No. It also refers to the appropriate party’s usual residence.
What if no business or fixed residence is known?
Check the separate section 71 rule and all its conditions.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026