Proper Way to Write Rupees in a Cheque: Two Lakh or Lakhs?

When writing a cheque, clarity and precision are crucial to ensure that the transaction is processed accurately. One common question that often arises is whether to use two lakh or lakhs, especially in the context of the Indian numbering system. This article aims to clarify the correct way to write rupees in a cheque using the example of 200,000 rupees.

Writing the Numerical Amount

Firstly, it is essential to ensure that the numerical amount is written in the designated box on the cheque. For example, you should write 200000 or 200,000.

Using 'Lakh' or 'Lakhs' in Writing Rupees

The choice between two lakh and two lakhs hinges on the immediate words that follow. Here are some guidelines:

Two Lakh

If you are immediately following the number with the word rupees, then use two lakh rupees. This construction is preferred in financial documents where the currency is clearly specified:

Example: Two Lakh Rupees

For instance, if the cheque amount is 200,000 rupees, you would write:

Twenty Thousand Rupees Only

Here, the word rupees confirms the currency, and two lakh is the correct singular form when using rupees.

Two Lakhs

If you are not using the word rupees immediately after the number, then it is more appropriate to use two lakhs:

Example: Two Lakhs

For the same amount, if you are not specifying the currency in the cheque text, you would write:

Two Lakhs Only

Here, the absence of rupees makes two lakhs the correct plural form.

Common Usage and Clarification

Some might argue that both forms are correct, depending on the context, but there are some key considerations:

1. Lakh comes from Hindi and indicates the unit of one hundred thousand, making it more appropriate to use the singular form lakh.

2. Lakhs is preferred for amounts greater than one lakh as it clearly indicates more than one unit:

Example: Five Lakhs

For amounts like 'five lakh', the plural form lakhs is more appropriate.

3. Numbers like 'two hundred thousand', 'five thousand', and 'three crore' are commonly written as two hundred thousand rupees, five thousand rupees, and three crore rupees, respectively:

Example: Two Hundred Thousand Rupees

Five Thousand Rupees

Three Crore Rupees

Conclusion

To summarize, when writing 200,000 rupees on a cheque, you should:

Write 200,000 or 200000 in the numerical box. Use Two Lakh Rupees if followed by the word rupees. Use Two Lakhs if no additional currency designation is needed.

Maintaining clarity and consistency in your cheque writing will ensure that your transaction is processed smoothly and accurately.