Limitation Act, 1963: Limitation Periods for Suits, Appeals and Applications
The Limitation Act, 1963 is the principal central law prescribing time limits for filing specified civil suits, appeals and applications in India. It also contains rules on computation, exclusion, extension and the effect of expiry of limitation.
Updated: 4 September 2026
What the Limitation Act, 1963 covers
The Act requires courts to dismiss suits, appeals and applications instituted after the prescribed period, subject to the provisions contained in the Act. The applicable period depends on the nature of the proceeding and the relevant article in the Schedule.
Key Sections of the Limitation Act, 1963
Schedule: Limitation Periods by Type of Proceeding
The Schedule classifies limitation periods for different suits, appeals and applications. Use the relevant category below as a starting point, then verify the exact article and the date from which time begins to run.
Limitation for Taking Cognizance in Criminal Matters under BNSS, 2023
Chapter XXXVIII of the BNSS contains the present general rules on limitation for taking cognizance of certain offences. Section 514 prescribes the following periods, subject to the remaining provisions of that Chapter and any applicable special law.
| Maximum punishment | General limitation under BNSS Section 514 |
|---|---|
| Fine only | 6 months |
| Imprisonment not exceeding 1 year | 1 year |
| Imprisonment exceeding 1 year but not exceeding 3 years | 3 years |
Sections 515-519 deal with commencement of limitation, exclusion of time, court closure, continuing offences and extension of the limitation period in specified circumstances. Section 514 also contains an explanation relevant to computation by reference to the filing of a complaint or recording of information.
Practical Points Before Calculating Limitation
Identify the correct statutory provision and Schedule article; determine the legally relevant starting date; check whether any time is excluded; examine any acknowledgment or part-payment made before expiry; consider disability, fraud or mistake where applicable; and verify whether a special or local law creates a different limitation rule. Court holidays and procedural rules can also affect the final filing date.