Limitation Period Calculator
परिसीमा अवधि कैलकुलेटर
Calculate filing deadlines under the Limitation Act, 1963 with COVID extensions and Section 5 guidance.
e.g., date of demand notice, date of refusal, etc.
Quick Reference - Common Limitation Periods
| Case Type | Period | Article/Law | Starting Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Money Suit | 3 years | Art. 36/37 | When debt becomes due |
| Recovery of Immovable Property | 12 years | Art. 64/65 | When possession becomes adverse |
| Specific Performance | 3 years | Art. 54 | Date fixed for performance |
| Injunction | 3 years | Art. 58 | When right to sue accrues |
| Breach of Contract | 3 years | Art. 55 | When contract is broken |
| Cheque Bounce (Sec. 138) | 30 days | NI Act Sec. 142 | After 15-day notice period expires |
| Consumer Complaint | 2 years | CPA 2019 | When cause of action arises |
| Motor Accident Claim | 6 months | MV Act | Date of accident |
| Tort / Damages | 1 year | Art. 72/73 | When wrong is committed |
| Civil Appeal | 30-90 days | Varies | Date of order/decree |
What is Limitation Period?
The limitation period is the maximum time allowed by law to initiate legal proceedings from the date the cause of action arises. In India, it is primarily governed by the Limitation Act, 1963, which prescribes different limitation periods for different types of suits, appeals, and applications. If a case is filed after the limitation period expires, the court will dismiss it as "time-barred" unless the delay is condoned under Section 5 of the Act (where applicable).
Section 5 - Condonation of Delay
Section 5 of the Limitation Act, 1963 allows courts to condone (excuse) delay in filing appeals and applications if the applicant demonstrates "sufficient cause" for the delay. Key points:
- Applies to appeals and applications only — NOT to original suits
- The court has discretion — condonation is not automatic
- "Sufficient cause" is interpreted liberally but requires genuine reasons
- Common grounds: illness, legal advice, inadvertence, bonafide mistake
- Does not apply to cases under special/local laws that expressly exclude it