Registered Post AD is a tracked postal service where the sender receives a receipt at posting and an acknowledgement (AD) card signed by the recipient on delivery. Under Section 27 of the General Clauses Act, 1897 and Section 114 of the evidence law, a notice sent by registered post to the correct address is presumed to have been served unless the contrary is proved. For Section 138 of the NI Act, the Supreme Court has held that a notice returned "refused" or unclaimed is deemed served.
How Registered Post AD works in India
The sender fills the AD card with the sender's address, affixes it to the envelope, and posts the letter at a post office, receiving a receipt with a 13-character tracking number. India Post records the article at each stage; on delivery the postman obtains the recipient's signature on the AD card, which is mailed back. If the recipient refuses, or is not found after attempts, the article is returned with the postal endorsement ("refused", "unclaimed", "left without address"). Both the AD card and a returned envelope are kept as evidence, together with a copy of the notice.
- Keep the posting receipt, the tracking printout, the AD card or returned envelope and a copy of the notice stapled together.
- Use the exact address from the cheque, invoice, GST certificate or MCA master data.
- Send speed post or courier as a second mode when time is short.
Why it matters for getting paid
In a Section 138 complaint or a suit the first thing the defence attacks is service. The AD card answers it. A notice returned "refused" is even better evidence of the drawer avoiding the demand. Suppliers who serve notices only by courier or WhatsApp spend months proving receipt. Pair RPAD with an e-notice for speed and certainty, and read how the cheque bounce notice timelines depend on the date of receipt.
How FundRaksha uses it
FundRaksha sends every notice by e-notice and by registered post AD within 24 hours, logs the tracking number, and files the AD card or returned envelope with the case papers. This discipline is why FundRaksha's Section 138 complaints are rarely challenged on service. Fee: 30% of recovery, nothing upfront.
Worked example (hypothetical)
A Coimbatore pump supplier posts a Section 138 notice by RPAD on 10 August for a ₹4,00,000 cheque returned on 1 August. Tracking shows "delivered" on 13 August and the AD card arrives signed on 20 August. The 15-day period runs from 13 August to 28 August. No payment. The complaint is filed on 5 September with the receipt, tracking record and AD card as exhibits. Had the letter come back "refused" on 14 August, the 15 days would have run from that date and the refusal itself would be evidence of service.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-08. Information for Indian businesses; not legal advice.