Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
38. Prior party a principal in respect of each subsequent
party
As between the parties so liable as sureties, each prior party
is, in the absence of a contract to the contrary, also liable thereon as a
principal debtor in respect of each subsequent party.
Illustration
A draws a bill payable to his own order on B, who accepts. A
afterwards endorses the bill to C, C to D and D to E. As between E and B, B is
the principal debtor, and A, C and D are his sureties. As between E and A, A is
the principal debtor, and C and D are his sureties. As between E and C, C is
the principal debtor and D is his surety.