Section32
The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881

Liability of maker of note and acceptor of bill

In force From 01 Mar 1882 Act 26 of 1881 As on 17 Oct 2026

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

Section 32 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 deals with liability of maker of note and acceptor of bill. In the absence of a contract to the contrary, the maker of a promissory note and the acceptor before maturity of a bill of exchange are bound to pay the amount thereof at maturity according to the apparent tenor of the note or acceptance respectively, and the acceptor of a bill of exchange at or aft The Act came into force on 01 Mar 1882.

In the absence of a contract to the contrary, the maker of a promissory note and the acceptor before maturity of a bill of exchange are bound to pay the amount thereof at maturity according to the apparent tenor of the note or acceptance respectively, and the acceptor of a bill of exchange at or after maturity is bound to pay the amount thereof to the holder on demand.

In default of such payment as aforesaid, such maker or acceptor is bound to compensate any party to the note or bill for any loss or damage sustained by him and caused by such default.

Section 32, The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (Act 26 of 1881).

Questions about Section 32

What does Section 32 of the Negotiable Instruments Act deal with?

Section 32 of the Negotiable Instruments Act is headed "Liability of maker of note and acceptor of bill". In the absence of a contract to the contrary, the maker of a promissory note and the acceptor before maturity of a bill of exchange are bound to pay the amount thereof at maturity according to the apparent tenor of the note or acceptance respectively, and the acceptor of a bill of exchange at or aft

How do I find court cases under Section 32 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 32, section 32 NI Act, section 32 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 32 of the Negotiable Instruments Act come into force?

Section 32 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, cited as NI Act 32, 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 17 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.