(a) The obligation of a party to pay the instrument is discharged as 453 11-3-601 stated in this article or by an act or agreement with the party which would discharge an obligation to pay money under a simple contract. (b) Discharge of the obligation of a party is not effective against a person acquiring rights of a holder in due course of the instrument without notice of the discharge. History. Code 1981, § 11-3-601, enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 1306, § 3.