MITHAN Vs. PALTU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The subject-matter of this appeal is a bill of exchange payable after 31 days. The drawers of the bill were Kamta and Garhu; it was drawn on the firm of Mattru Mal-Lachmi Narayan of Hatras and the payee was one Birju. The bill passed from the hands of Birju to Paltu and from Paltu to Mithan and Kanchan. All these transfers were for consideration.

(2.) The bill was drawn on December 31st, 1907. Mithan and Kanchan allege that they presented the bill for payment to Mattru Mal-Lachmi Narayan, who refused to accept it. They then gave notice to Paltu from whom they had received it and on the 18th of February 1910, instituted the suit out of which this appeal arises. They arrayed as defendants Kamta and Garhu, the drawers and Paltu, a holder in due course from whom they received it. All the defendants raised, inter alia, the defence that the plaintiff did not present the bill within a reasonable time. Paltu added that notice was not given to him of non-acceptance for nearly three years.

(3.) The Court of first instance accepted this plea as fatal to the claim and dismissed the suit.