Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
118. Presumptions as to negotiable instruments Until
the contrary is proved, the following presumption shall be made:-
(a) of consideration-that every negotiable instrument was made
or drawn for consideration, and that every such instrument, when it has been
accepted, endorsed, negotiated or transferred, was accepted, endorsed,
negotiated or transferred for consideration;
(b) as to date-that every negotiable instrument bearing a date
was made or drawn on such date;
(c) as to time of acceptance-that every accepted bill of
exchange was accepted within a reasonable time after its date and before its maturity;
(d) as to time of transfer-that every transfer of a negotiable
instrument was made before its maturity;
(e) as to order of endorsements-that the endorsements appearing
upon a negotiable instrument were made in the order in which they appear thereon;
(f) as to stamps-that a lost promissory note, bill of exchange
or cheque was duly stamped;
(g) that holder is a holder in due course-that the holder of a
negotiable instrument is a holder in due course; provided that, where the
instrument has been contained from its lawful owner, or from any person in
lawful custody thereof, by means of an offence or fraud, or has been obtained
from the maker or acceptor thereof by means of an offence or fraud, or for
unlawful consideration, the burden of proving that the holder is a holder in
due course lies upon him.