Limitation Period Calculator
Find out the time limit to file a legal case in India under the Limitation Act, 1963.
Computed under the Limitation Act, 1963. Actual limitation may be affected by acknowledgement of debt, fraud, disability or court orders.
About the Limitation Act, 1963
The Limitation Act, 1963 prescribes the time within which suits, appeals and applications must be filed in courts across India. Filing after the limitation period generally results in the suit being dismissed — unless the court condones the delay under Section 5 for sufficient cause.
The limitation period begins from the date of cause of action. Section 12 excludes the day of accrual, and Sections 15–16 provide for exclusion of time in certain circumstances (injunction, stay, insanity, etc.).
Under Section 18, if a debtor or person liable acknowledges the debt in writing before the limitation expires, the period starts fresh from the date of acknowledgement.
Under Section 5, courts (except for suits) can condone delay if sufficient cause is shown. This does not apply to suits under the Civil Procedure Code — courts have no discretion there.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I file a case after the limitation period?
Your suit or application is likely to be dismissed as time-barred. The opposing party can raise a limitation defence at any stage of the proceedings. While courts may condone delay in appeals and applications under Section 5, there is generally no condonation for suits (Section 3 read with Schedule).
Does the limitation period apply to criminal cases?
Criminal cases are generally governed by Section 468 of CrPC (now BNSS) which prescribes limitation for taking cognisance. For serious offences punishable with imprisonment exceeding 3 years, there is no limitation. Summary offences and petty offences have shorter limits of 6 months to 1 year.
Can the limitation period be extended?
Yes, in specific circumstances: (1) Acknowledgement of liability in writing resets the clock (Section 18); (2) Part payment resets the clock for money suits (Section 19); (3) Fraud by the opposite party postpones limitation (Section 17); (4) Disability (minority, insanity) extends it (Section 6).
What is the limitation period for income tax appeals?
Income tax matters are governed by the Income Tax Act, not the Limitation Act. Typically, an appeal to CIT(A) must be filed within 30 days of the assessment order. Appeals to the ITAT and High Courts have specific statutory periods under the Income Tax Act.
Is limitation different for consumer complaints after 2019?
Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, a complaint must be filed within 2 years from the date of cause of action. The District Commission can condone delay if sufficient cause is shown. The 2019 Act increased pecuniary jurisdiction — District: up to ₹50 lakhs, State: ₹50L–₹2Cr, National: above ₹2Cr.