what are endorsements and supplemental deeds

Endorsement means to write on the back or on the face of a document wherein it is necessary in relation to the contents of that document or instrument. The term “endorsement” is used with reference to negotiable documents like cheques, bill of exchange etc. For example, on the back of the cheque to sign one’s name as Payee to obtain cash is an endorsement on the cheque. Thus, to inscribe one’s signatures on the cheque, bill of exchange or promissory note is endorsement within the meaning of the term with reference to the Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881.

**ENDORSEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DEEDS** Endorsement means to write on the back or on the face of a document wherein it is necessary in relation to the contents of that document or instrument. The term “endorsement” is used with reference to negotiable documents like cheques, bill of exchange etc. For example, on the back of the cheque to sign one’s name as Payee to obtain cash is an endorsement on the cheque. Thus, to inscribe one’s signatures on the cheque, bill of exchange or promissory note is endorsement within the meaning of the term with reference to the Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881. Endorsement is used to give legal significance to a particular document with reference to new facts to be added in it. Endorsement helps in putting new facts in words on such document with a view to inscribe with a title or memorandum or to make offer to another by inscribing one’s name on the document or to acknowledge receipt of any sum specified by one’s signatures on the document or to express definite approval to a particular document. Thus, endorsement is an act or process of endorsing something that is written in the process of endorsing when a provision is added to a document altering its, scope or application. Under the Registration Act, 1908 the word endorsement’ has significant meaning and it applies to entry by the Registry Officer on a rider or covering slip tendered for registration under the said Act. Supplemental deed is a document which is entered into between the parties on the same subject on which there is a prior document existing and operative for adding new facts to the document on which the parties to the document have agreed which otherwise cannot be done by way of endorsement. Thus, supplemental deed is executed to give effect to the new facts in the deed. When a deed or document is required to be supplemented by new facts in pursuance of or in relation to a prior deed this can be affected by either endorsement on the prior deed when short writing would be sufficient, or by executing a separate deed described as supplemental deed. For example, if lessee transfers his right in the lease to another person such transfer may be done by way of endorsement. On the other hand, if the terms of the lease document are to be altered then it becomes necessary to give effect to such alteration through a supplementary deed. In case the alteration to be made in the terms and conditions and is of minor nature and can be expressed by a short writing execution of supplementary deed may not be considered necessary as this can be done by endorsement only. Thus, this is a matter of convenience which of the two alternatives whether endorsement or a supplementary deed is to be used by the parties to a particular document. Thanks