What is meant by crossing of cheque

Crossing of a cheque refers to drawing two parallel transverse lines across its face, typically at the top left corner. This is a security feature under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, indicating that the cheque cannot be cashed directly over a bank counter. Instead, the funds must be deposited into a bank account. This practice helps prevent fraud and ensures the payment is traceable. Common types of crossing include:

• General Crossing: Just two parallel lines, allowing deposit into any bank account.
• Special Crossing: Mentioning a specific bank's name between the lines.
• Account Payee: Restricting the payment only to the named recipient's account.