Negotiable Instruments Act Section 137 — Presumption as to foreign law

CHAPTER XVI O F I N T E R N A T I O N A L LA W

General

Summary

If a legal dispute involves a promissory note, bill of exchange, or cheque that is connected to a foreign country, the court will assume that the foreign country's law on these matters is the same as India's law. This assumption is only a starting point, and it can be challenged. If someone proves that the foreign law is actually different, then the court will not apply the Indian law.

Official Text

The law of any foreign country 1*** regarding promissory notes, bills of exchange and cheques shall be presumed to be the same as that of 2[India], unless and until the contrary is proved. 3[CHAPTER XVII OF PENALTIES IN CASE OF DISHONOUR OF CERTAIN CHEQUES FOR INSUFFICIENCY OF FUNDS IN THE ACCOUNTS