Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
100. Protest
When a promissory note or bill of exchange has been dishonored
by non-acceptance or non-payment, the holder may, within a reasonable time,
cause such dishonor to be noted and certified by a notary public. Such
certificate is called a protest.
Protest for better security : When the acceptor of a bill of
exchange has become insolvent, or his credit has been publicly impeached,
before the maturity of the bill, the holder may, within a reasonable time,
cause a notary public to demand better security of the acceptor, and on its
being refused may, with a reasonable time, cause such facts to be noted and
certified as aforesaid. Such certificate is called a protest for better
security.