Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
47. Negotiation by delivery
Subject to the provisions of section 58, a promissory note, bill
of exchange or cheque payable to bearer is negotiable by delivery thereof.
Exception: A promissory note, bill of exchange or cheque
delivered on condition that it is not to take effect except in a certain event
is not negotiable (except in the hands of a holder for value without notice of
the condition) unless such event happens.
Illustration
(a) A, the holder of a negotiable instrument payable to bearer,
delivers it to B's agent to keep for B. The instrument has been negotiated.
(b) A, the holder of a negotiable instrument payable to bearer,
which is in the hands of A's banker, who is at the time the banker of B,
directs the banker to transfer the instrument to B's credit in the banker's
account with B. The banker does so, and accordingly now possesses the
instrument as B's agent. The instrument has been negotiated, and B has become
the holder of it.