Negotiable Instruments Act Section 21 — “At sight”

Summary

If a promissory note or bill of exchange says it is payable “at sight” or “on presentment,” it means the money must be paid as soon as it is shown or demanded. The phrase “after sight” has a different meaning depending on the document: for a promissory note, it means after the note is shown for sight; for a bill of exchange, it means after the bill is accepted, or after it is noted or protested for non-acceptance.

Official Text

“On presentment”.—Ina promissory note or bill of exchange the expressions “at sight” and “on presentment” mean on demand. The expression “After sight”—“after sight” means, in a promissory note, after presentment for sight, and, in a bill of exchange, after acceptance, or nothing for non-acceptance, or protest for non-acceptance.

Referred to by

• Negotiable Instruments Act §1 — Short title

Related Judgments

• SINEXIMCO PTE. LTD.; Represented by: Mr.A.K.Singla, Sr.Advocate; inst vs DINESH INTERNATIONAL PVT. LTD — Delhi High Court (2012)
• GUJARAT AMBUJA CEMENTS LTD vs SHREE LAKSHMI VENKATESH CARGO MOVERS AND, CONSULTANTS — Delhi High Court (2025)
• K.N. GOVINDAN KUTTY MENON vs C.D. SHAJI — Supreme Court of India (2011)
• NEW OKHLA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NOIDA) vs YUNUS & ORS — Supreme Court of India (2022)