Section121
The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881

Estoppel against denying capacity of payee to indorse

In force From 01 Mar 1882 Act 26 of 1881 As on 14 Oct 2026

Act 26 of 1881 Ministry Finance Enacted 09 Dec 1881 In force 01 Mar 1882

Section 121 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 deals with estoppel against denying capacity of payee to indorse. No maker of a promissory note and no acceptor of a bill of exchange [payable to order] shall, in a suit thereon by a holder in due course, be permitted to deny the payee's capacity, at the date of the note or bill, to indorse the same. The Act came into force on 01 Mar 1882.

No maker of a promissory note and no acceptor of a bill of exchange 1[payable to order] shall, in a suit thereon by a holder in due course, be permitted to deny the payee's capacity, at the date of the note or bill, to indorse the same.

Section 121, The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (Act 26 of 1881).

Questions about Section 121

What does Section 121 of the Negotiable Instruments Act deal with?

Section 121 of the Negotiable Instruments Act is headed "Estoppel against denying capacity of payee to indorse". No maker of a promissory note and no acceptor of a bill of exchange [payable to order] shall, in a suit thereon by a holder in due course, be permitted to deny the payee's capacity, at the date of the note or bill, to indorse the same.

How do I find court cases under Section 121 of the Negotiable Instruments Act?

In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: NI Act 121, section 121 NI Act, section 121 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.

When did Section 121 of the Negotiable Instruments Act come into force?

Section 121 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, cited as NI Act 121, came into force on 01 Mar 1882, having been enacted on 09 Dec 1881. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.

Other sections of this Act

Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 14 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.