Section 38 - Prior party a principal in respect of each subsequent party - Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881

Prior party a principal in respect of each subsequent party. 38. As between the parties so liable as sureties, each prior party is, in the absence of a contract to the contrary, also liable thereon as a principal debtor in respect of each subse quent party. Illustration A draws a bill payable to his own order on B, who accepts. A afterwards indorses the bill to C, C to D and D to E. As between E and B, B is the principal debtor, and A, C and D are his sure ties. As between E and A, A is the principal debtor, and C and D are his sureties. As between E and C, C is the principal debtor and D is his surety.