law: Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 
  8. "Holder" 
  The "holder" of a promissory note, bill of exchange or
  
  cheque means any person entitled in his own name to the possession thereof and
  
  to receive or recover the amount due thereon from the parties thereto.
  Where the note, bill or cheque is lost or destroyed, its holder
  
  is the person so entitled at the time of such loss or destruction.