Can a person maintain different signatures at same time

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A person can use different signatures for different purposes if used consistently. However, it may create legal risks in proving authenticity and can lead to disputes if signatures are challenged.

Mallesh Reddy A

Mallesh Reddy A (Querist)

29 April 2011 a. Mr.A maintains an account with XYZ Bank and signs in English Language
b. Mr.A simultaneously maintains an account with MNO bank and signs in Kannada Language
c. Mr.A simultaneously signs various other forms such as I T returns, Sale Deeds, etc., in different signatures.

Is this permitted?
What are the repercussions?

Sanjeev Sandh

Sanjeev Sandh (Expert)

14 May 2011 There is no bar from having different signatures, provided the particular signature used is used consistently for that particular purpose/document.

It is better if you are comfortable with more than one signature. This can become a protection against forgery. Many Bank Managers have a different signatures for their official purposes and for their personal purposes.

Mallesh Reddy A

Mallesh Reddy A (Querist)

16 May 2011 It is difficult to agree to the clarification given. I expected the opinion backed by specific sections of law.

Apprehension: If a person signs differently with ulterior motive and later contends that the particular signature made on a particular document is not made by him(showing a different signature made on the same day in a different document such as Bank cheque), the other party would be loosing the case.

a. Signature being physical mark of presence of a person at the time of deal, need to be one and only one for the person at any particular time.
b. If Thumb impression is considered as signature(for literates as well as illiterates)under law and that cannot wary, the written signature of the person also need to be not-varying (except for small acceptable variance).
c. Permitting different signatures at a time has legal consequences of burdening the other party to prove execution by the signatory, if denied.
d. I donot agree with your statement "Many Bank Managers have a different signatures for their official purposes and for their personal purposes". Please donot generalise things in your opinion. I myself is a bank manager and I donot have any colleague who maintain more than one signature.
d.Please re-examine the opinion, in the light of law.

Sanjeev Sandh

Sanjeev Sandh (Expert)

16 May 2011 Please read my answer carefully. I stand by my reply.

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