Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 · Chapter VIII: Of Notice of Dishonour
Section 94: Mode in which notice may be given
In plain words
Notice of dishonour can be oral or written, in any form, and sent by post. It must tell the party, expressly or by reasonable implication, that the instrument was dishonoured, how, and that they will be held liable.
- It can be given to an authorised agent, a legal representative if the party has died, or an assignee if insolvent.
- It must be given within a reasonable time at the party's place of business, or residence if there is none.
- A notice properly addressed and posted is still valid if it goes astray.
A simplified explanation, prepared with AI assistance from the official text below and checked automatically against it for numbers and cross-references. The official text is the law and prevails over this summary. Not legal advice.
Official text
Notice of dishonour may be given to a duly authorized agent of the person to whom it is required to be given, or, where he has died, to his legal representative, or, where he has been declared an insolvent, to his assignee; may be oral or written; may, if written, be sent by post; and may be in any form; but it must inform the party to whom it is given, either in express terms or by reasonable intendment, that the instrument has been dishonoured, and in what way, and that he will be held liable thereon; and it must be given within a reasonable time after dishonour, at the place of business or (in case such party has no place of business) at the residence of the party for whom it is intended.
If the notice is duly directed and sent by post and miscarries, such miscarriage does not render the notice invalid.
Source: India Code (indiacode.gov.in), the consolidated text published by the Legislative Department, Government of India. Text as updated on India Code on 15 October 2026. Words in square brackets [ ] were inserted or substituted by later amending Acts, and *** marks words omitted by an amendment. The amendment footnotes are not reproduced here. Official text on India Code.
Supreme Court judgments citing the section 94
No Supreme Court judgment in our database cites this section yet.