The account holder or the drawer of the cheque is the only person authorized to stop its payment. This request must be made to the bank before the cheque is presented for clearing or encashment. Common reasons for stopping payment include:
- The cheque being lost or stolen
- Disputes regarding the transaction or services
- Incorrect details mentioned on the cheque
- Insufficient funds in the account
Banks typically charge a nominal fee for processing stop-payment instructions, which can be issued via net banking, mobile apps, or by visiting the branch.