Negotiable Instruments Law

Section 152

Where a foreign bill appearing on its face to be such is dishonored by non-acceptance, it must be duly protested for non-acceptance, and where such bill which has not previously been dishonored by non-acceptance is dishonored by non-payment, it must be duly protested for non-payment. If it is not so protested, the drawer and indorsers are discharged. Where a bill does not appear on its face to be a foreign bill, protest thereof in case of dishonor is unnecessary.

Section 153

The protest must be annexed to the bill, or must contain a copy thereof, and must be under the hand and seal of the notary making it, and must specify — (a) The time and place of presentment; (b) The fact that presentment was made and the manner thereof; (c) The cause or reason for protesting the bill; (d) The demand made and the answer given, if any, or the fact that the drawee or acceptor could not be found.

Section 154

Protest may be made by — (a) A notary public; or (b) By any respectable resident of the place where the bill is dishonored, in the presence of two or more credible witnesses.

Section 155

When a bill is protested, such protest must be made on the day of its dishonor, unless delay is excused as herein provided. When a bill has been duly noted, the protest may be subsequently extended as of the date of the noting.

Section 156

A bill must be protested at the place where it is dishonored, except that when a bill drawn payable at the place of business or residence of some person other than the drawee has been dishonored by non-acceptance, it must be protested for non-payment at the place where it is expressed to be payable, and no further presentment for payment to, or demand on, the drawee is necessary.

Section 157

A bill which has been protested for non-acceptance may be subsequently protested for non-payment.

Section 158

Where the acceptor has been adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent, or has made an assignment for the benefit of creditors before the bill matures, the holder may cause the bill to be protested for better security against the drawer and indorsers.

Section 159

Protest is dispensed with by any circumstances which would dispense with notice of dishonor. Delay in noting or protesting is excused when delay is caused by circumstances beyond the control of the holder and not imputable to his default, misconduct, or negligence. When the cause of delay ceases to operate, the bill must be noted or protested with reasonable diligence.

Section 160

When a bill is lost or destroyed or is wrongly detained from the person entitled to hold it, protest may be made on a copy or written particulars thereof.