Who is directly entitled to compensation under section 117(a) of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 when an instrument is dishonoured?

Section 117(a) entitles the holder to the amount due on the dishonoured instrument, together with expenses properly incurred in presenting, noting and protesting it. The reimbursement available to a liable indorser who has paid under section 117(c) is a separate claim.