In a prosecution under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, the court raised a presumption that a dishonoured cheque was drawn for consideration. This presumption is enacted in -

Section 139 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 provides that it shall be presumed, unless the contrary is proved, that the holder of a cheque received the cheque of the nature referred to in Section 138 for the discharge, in whole or in part, of any debt or other liability. The drawer may rebut the presumption by leading evidence that the cheque was not supported by consideration. Section 118 raises presumptions about negotiable instruments generally, and while it is often cited alongside Section 139, the provision specifically invoked in dishonour prosecutions is Section 139. Section 131 protects a banker paying a crossed cheque in good faith, Section 87 deals with material alteration, and Section 9 defines the holder in due course. Hence Section 139 is the correct provision.