Question

A bill of exchange must contain “an unconditional promise to pay” Do you agree with a statement?

Answer 1

According to Negotiable Instrument Act, 1981, “A bill of exchange is defined as an instrument in writing, containing an unconditional order, signed by the maker, directing a certain person to pay a certain sum of money only to, or to the order of, a certain person or to the bearer of the instrument.”

A bill of exchange contains an unconditional promise to pay a certain sum of money on an agreed date to the drawer or the bearer by the drawee of the bill.

An unconditional order to pay: It is one of the important characteristic of a negotiable instrument.

Unconditional order implies no condition should be attached by the acceptor regarding the payment.

The conditions like, payment of bill (only in case of profit on sales), payment of bill (only if the prices of goods increase), etc.

Should not be attached with the bill. Moreover, the language of the bill should not be ambiguous.