In India, the validity period of a cheque is three months from the date of issue. This rule, mandated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) since April 1, 2012, applies to:
- Personal and business cheques
- Demand drafts
- Pay orders
- Banker's cheques
Once this three-month period expires, the instrument is considered a stale cheque and cannot be honored by the bank. To receive payment after this duration, the payee must request the drawer to issue a fresh cheque.