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THE LIMITATION ACT, 1963

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

PART I

PRELIMINARY

SECTIONS

Short title, extent and commencement.
Definitions.

PART II

LIMITATION OF SUITS, APPEALS AND APPLICATIONS

Bar of limitation.
Expiry of prescribed period when court is closed.
Extension of prescribed period in certain cases.
Legal disability.
Disability of one of several persons.
Special exceptions.
Continuous running of time.
Suits against trustees and their representatives.
Suits on contracts entered into outside the territories to which the Act extends.

PART III

COMPUTATION OF PERIOD OF LIMITATION

Exclusion of time in legal proceedings.
Exclusion of time in cases where leave to sue or appeal as a pauper is applied for.
Exclusion of time of proceeding bona fide in court without jurisdiction.
Exclusion of time in certain other cases.
Effect of death on or before the accrual of the right to sue.
Effect of fraud or mistake.
Effect of acknowledgment in writing.
Effect of payment on account of debt or of interest on legacy.
Effect of acknowledgment or payment by another person.
Effect of substituting or adding new plaintiff or defendant.
Continuing breaches and torts.
Suits for compensation for acts not actionable without special damage.
Computation of time mentioned in instruments.

PART IV

ACQUISITION OF OWNERSHIP BY POSSESSION

Acquisition of easements by prescription.
Exclusion in favour of reversioner of servient tenement.
Extinguishment of right to property.

PART V

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTIONS

[Repealed.]
Savings.
Provision for suits, etc., for which the prescribed period is shorter than the period prescribed by

the Indian Limitation Act, 1908.

Provisions as to barred or pending suits, etc.
[Repealed.]

THE SCHEDULE.

THE LIMITATION ACT, 1963 ACT NO. 36 OF 1963

[5th October, 1963.] An Act to consolidate and amend the law for the limitation of suits and other proceedings and for

purposes connected therewith. BE it enacted by Parliament in the Fourteenth Year of the Republic of India as follows:—

PART I

PRELIMINARY

Short title, extent and commencement.—(1) This Act may be called the Limitation Act, 1963. (2) It extends to the whole of India 1***. (3) It shall come into force on such date2 as the Central Government may, by notification in the

Official Gazette, appoint.

Definitions.—In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

(a) “applicant” includes—

(i) a petitioner;

(ii) any person from or through whom an applicant derives his right to apply;

(iii) any person whose estate is represented by the applicant as executor, administrator or

other representative;

(b) “application” includes a petition;

(d) “bond” includes any instrument whereby a person obliges himself to pay money to another, on condition that the obligation shall be void if a specified act is performed, or is not performed, as the case may be;

(e) “defendant” includes—

(i) any person from or through whom a defendant derives his liability to be sued;

(ii) any person whose estate is represented by the defendant as executor, administrator or

other representative;

(f) “easement” includes a right not arising from contract, by which one person is entitled to remove and appropriate for his own profit any part of the soil belonging to another or anything growing in, or attached to, or subsisting upon, the land of another;

(g) “foreign country” means any country other than India;

(h) “good faith”—nothing shall be deemed to be done in good faith which is not done with due

care and attention;

(i) “plaintiff” includes—

(i) any person from or through whom a plaintiff derives his right to sue;

(ii) any person whose estate is represented by the plaintiff as executor, administrator or other

representative;

The words “except the State of Jammu and Kashmir” omitted by Act 34 of 2019, s. 95 and the Fifth Schedule (w.e.f. 31-

10- 2019).

1st January, 1964, vide notification No. S.O. 3118, dated 29th October, 1963, see Gazette of India, Part II, sec. 3 (ii). Amended in West Bengal by W.B. Act 18 of 1977.

1st September, 1984, vide notification No. S.O. 647(C), in respect of the State of Sikkim dated 24th August, 1984, see Gazette of India, Part II, sec. 3(ii).

(j) “period of limitation” means the period of limitation prescribed for any suit, appeal or application by the Schedule, and “prescribed period” means the period of limitation computed in accordance with the provisions of this Act;

(k) “promissory note” means any instrument whereby the maker engages absolutely to pay a

specified sum of money to another at a time therein limited, or on demand, or at sight;

(l) “suit” does not include an appeal or an application;

(m) “tort" means a civil wrong which is not exclusively the breach of a contract or the breach of a

trust;

(n) “trustee” does not include a benamidar, a mortgagee remaining in possession after the

mortgage has been satisfied or a person in wrongful possession without title.

PART II

LIMITATION OF SUITS, APPEALS AND APPLICATIONS

Bar of limitation.—(1) Subject to the provisions contained in sections 4 to 24 (inclusive), every suit instituted, appeal preferred, and application made after the prescribed period shall be dismissed, although limitation has not been set up as a defence.

(2) For the purposes of this Act,—

(a) a suit is instituted,—

(i) in an ordinary case, when the plaint is presented to the proper officer;

(ii) in the case of a pauper, when his application for leave to sue as a pauper is made; and

(iii) in the case of a claim against a company which is being wound up by the court, when the

claimant first sends in his claim to the official liquidator;

(b) any claim by way of a set off or a counter claim, shall be treated as a separate suit and shall be

deemed to have been instituted—

(i) in the case of a set off, on the same date as the suit in which the set off is pleaded;

(ii) in the case of a counter claim, on the date on which the counter claim is made in court;

to the proper officer of that court.

Expiry of prescribed period when court is closed.—Where the prescribed period for any suit, appeal or application expires on a day when the court is closed, the suit, appeal or application may be instituted, preferred or made on the day when the court re-opens.

Explanation.—A court shall be deemed to be closed on any day within the meaning of this section if

during any part of its normal working hours it remains closed on that day.

Extension of prescribed period in certain cases.—Any appeal or any application, other than an application under any of the provisions of Order XXI of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), may be admitted after the prescribed period if the appellant or the applicant satisfies the court that he had sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal or making the application within such period.

Explanation.—The fact that the appellant or the applicant was missed by any order, practice or judgment of the High Court in ascertaining or computing the prescribed period may be sufficient cause within the meaning of this section.

Legal disability.—(1) Where a person entitled to institute a suit or make an application for the execution of a decree is, at the time from which the prescribed period is to be reckoned, a minor or insane, or an idiot, he may institute the suit or make the application within the same period after the disability has ceased, as would otherwise have been allowed from the time specified there for in the third column of the Schedule.

(2) Where such person is, at the time from which the prescribed period is to be reckoned, affected by two such disabilities, or where, before his disability has ceased, he is affected by another disability, he may institute the suit or make the application within the same period after both disabilities have ceased, as would otherwise have been allowed from the time so specified.

(3) Where the disability continues up to the death of that person, his legal representative may institute the suit or make the application within the same period after the death, as would otherwise have been allowed from the time so specified.

(4) Where the legal representative referred to in sub-section (3) is, at the date of the death of the person whom he represents, affected by any such disability, the rules contained sub-sections (1) and (2) shall apply.

(5) Where a person under disability dies after the disability ceases but within the period allowed to him under this section, his legal representative may institute the suit or make the application within the same period after the death, as would otherwise have been available to that person had he not died.

Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, ‘minor’ includes a child in the womb.

Disability of one of several persons.—Where one of several persons jointly entitled to institute a suit or make an application for the execution of a decree is under any such disability, and a discharge can be given without the concurrence of such person, time will run against them all; but, where no such discharge can be given, time will not run as against any of them until one of them becomes capable of giving such discharge without the concurrence of the others or until the disability has ceased.

Explanation I.—This section applies to a discharge from every kind of liability, including a liability

in respect of any immovable property.

Explanation II.—For the purposes of this section, the Manager of a Hindu undivided family governed by the Mitakshara law shall be deemed to be capable of giving a discharge without the concurrence of the other members of the family only if he is in management of the joint family property.

Special exceptions.—Nothing in section 6 or in section 7 applies to suits to enforce rights of pre- emption, or shall be deemed to extend, for more than three years from the cessation of the disability or the death of the person affected thereby, the period of limitation for any suit or application.
Continuous running of time.—Where once time has begun to run, no subsequent disability or

inability to institute a suit or make an application stops it:

Provided that, where letters of administration to the estate of a creditor have been granted to his debtor, the running of the period of limitation for a suit to recover the debt shall be suspended while the administration continues.

Suits against trustees and their representatives.—Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions of this Act, no suit against a person in whom property has become vested in trust for any specific purpose, or against his legal representatives or assigns (not being assigns for valuable consideration), for the purpose of following in his or their hands such property, or the proceeds thereof, or for an account of such property or proceeds, shall be barred by any length of time.

Explanation.—For the purposes of this section any property comprised in a Hindu, Muslim or Buddhist religious or charitable endowment shall be deemed to be property vested in trust for a specific purpose and the manager of the property shall be deemed to be the trustee thereof.

Suits on contracts entered into outside the territories to which the Act extends.—(1) Suits instituted in the territories to which this Act extends on contracts entered into in the State of Jammu and Kashmir or in a foreign country shall be subject to the rules of limitation contained in this Act.

(2) No rule of limitation in force in the State of Jammu and Kashmir or in a foreign country shall be a defence to a suit instituted in the said territories on a contract entered into in that State on in a foreign country unless—

(a) the rule has extinguished the contract; and

(b) the parties were domiciled in that State or in the foreign country during the period prescribed

by such rule.

PART III

COMPUTATION OF PERIOD OF LIMITATION

Exclusion of time in legal proceedings.—(1) In computing the period of limitation for any suit,

appeal or application, the day from which such period is to be reckoned, shall be excluded.

(2) In computing the period of limitation for an appeal or an application for leave to appeal or for revision or for review of a judgment, the day on which the judgment complained of was pronounced and the time requisite for obtaining a copy of the decree, sentence or order appealed from or sought to be revised or reviewed shall be excluded.

(3) Where a decree or order is appealed from or sought to be revised or reviewed, or where an application is made for leave to appeal from a decree or order, the time requisite for obtaining a copy of the judgment 1*** shall also be excluded.

(4) In computing the period of limitation for an application to set aside an award, the time requisite

for obtaining a copy of the award shall be excluded.

Explanation.—In computing under this section the time requisite for obtaining a copy of a decree or an order, any time taken by the court to prepare the decree or order before an application for a copy thereof is made shall not be excluded.

Exclusion of time in cases where leave to sue or appeal as a pauper is applied for.—In computing the period of limitation prescribed for any suit or appeal in any case where an application for leave to sue or appeal as a pauper has been made and rejected, the time during which the applicant has been prosecuting in good faith his application for such leave shall be excluded, and the court may, on payment of the court fees prescribed for such suit or appeal, treat the suit or appeal as having the same force and effect as if the court fees had been paid in the first instance.
Exclusion of time of proceeding bona fide in court without jurisdiction.—(1) In computing the period of limitation for any suit the time during which the plaintiff has been prosecuting with due diligence another civil proceeding, whether in a court of first instance or of appeal or revision, against the defendant shall be excluded, where the proceeding relates to the same matter in issue and is prosecuted in good faith in a court which, from defect of jurisdiction or other cause of a like nature, is unable to entertain it.

(2) In computing the period of limitation for any application, the time during which the applicant has been prosecuting with due diligence another civil proceeding, whether in a court of first instance or of appeal or revision, against the same party for the same relief shall be excluded, where such proceeding is prosecuted in good faith in a court which, from defect of jurisdiction or other cause of a like nature, is unable to entertain it.

(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in rule 2 of Order XXIII of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), the provisions of sub-section (1) shall apply in relation to a fresh suit instituted on permission granted by the court under rule 1 of that Order, where such permission is granted on the ground that the first suit must fail by reason of a defect in the jurisdiction of the court or other cause of a like nature.

Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—

(a) in excluding the time during which a former civil proceeding was pending, the day on which

that proceeding was instituted and the day on which it ended shall both be counted;

The words “on which the decree or order is founded” omitted by Act 46 of 1999, s. 33 (w.e.f. 1-7-2002).

(b) a plaintiff or an applicant resisting an appeal shall be deemed to be prosecuting a proceeding;

defect of jurisdiction.

Exclusion of time in certain other cases.—(1) In computing the period of limitation of any suit or application for the execution of a decree, the institution or execution of which has been stayed by injunction or order, the time of the continuance of the injunction or order, the day on which it was issued or made, and the day on which it was withdrawn, shall be excluded.

(2) In computing the period of limitation for any suit of which notice has been given, or for which the previous consent or sanction of the Government or any other authority is required, in accordance with the requirements of any law for the time being in force, the period of such notice or, as the case may be, the time required for obtaining such consent or sanction shall be excluded.

Explanation.—In excluding the time required for obtaining the consent or sanction of the Government or any other authority, the date on which the application was made for obtaining the consent or sanction and the date of receipt of the order of the Government or other authority shall both be counted.

(3) In computing the period of limitation for any suit or application for execution of a decree by any receiver or interim receiver appointed in proceedings for the adjudication of a person as an insolvent or by any liquidator or provisional liquidator appointed in proceedings for the winding up of a company, the period beginning with the date of institution of such proceeding and ending with the expiry of three months from the date of appointment of such receiver or liquidator, as the case may be, shall be excluded.

(4) In computing the period of limitation for a suit for possession by a purchaser at a sale in execution of a decree, the time during which a proceeding to set aside the sale has been prosecuted shall be excluded.

(5) In computing the period of limitation for any suit the time during which the defendant has been absent from India and from the territories outside India under the administration of the Central Government, shall be excluded.

Effect of death on or before the accrual of the right to sue.—(1) Where a person who would, if he were living, have a right to institute a suit or make an application dies before the right accrues, or where a right to institute a suit or make an application accrues only on the death of a person, the period of limitation shall be computed from the time when there is a legal representative of the deceased capable of instituting such suit or making such application.

(2) Where a person against whom, if he were living, a right to institute a suit or make an application would have accrued dies before the right accrues, or where a right to institute a suit or make an application against any person accrues on the death of such person, the period of limitation shall be computed from the time when there is a legal representative of the deceased against whom the plaintiff may institute such suit or make such application.

(3) Nothing in sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) applies to suits to enforce rights of pre-emption or to

suits for the possession of immovable property or of a hereditary office.

Effect of fraud or mistake.—(1) Where, in the case of any suit or application for which a period

of limitation is prescribed by this Act,—

(a) the suit or application is based upon the fraud of the defendant or respondent or his agent; or

(b) the knowledge of the right or title on which a suit or application is founded is concealed by

the fraud of any such person as aforesaid; or

(d) where any document necessary to establish the right of the plaintiff or applicant has been

fraudulently concealed from him,

the period of limitation shall not begin to run until the plaintiff or applicant has discovered the fraud or the mistake or could, with reasonable diligence, have discovered it; or in the case of a concealed document, until the plaintiff or the applicant first had the means of producing the concealed document or compelling its production:

Provided that nothing in this section shall enable any suit to be instituted or application to be made to

recover or enforce any charge against, or set aside any transaction affecting, any property which—

(i) in the case of fraud, has been purchased for valuable consideration by a person who was not a party to the fraud and did not at the time of the purchase know, or have reason to believe, that any fraud had been committed, or

(ii) in the case of mistake, has been purchased for valuable consideration subsequently to the transaction in which the mistake was made, by a person who did not know, or have reason to believe, that the mistake had been made, or

(iii) in the case of a concealed document, has been purchased for valuable consideration by a person who was not a party to the concealment and, did not at the time of purchase know, or have reason to believe, that the document had been concealed.

(2) Where a judgment-debtor has, by fraud or force, prevented the execution of a decree or order within the period of limitation, the court may, on the application of the judgment-creditor made after the expiry of the said period extend the period for execution of the decree or order:

Provided that such application is made within one year from the date of the discovery of the fraud or

the cessation of force, as the case may be.

Effect of acknowledgment in writing.—(1) Where, before the expiration of the prescribed period for a suit or application in respect of any property or right, an acknowledgment of liability in respect of such property or right has been made in writing signed by the party against whom such property or right is claimed, or by any person through whom he derives his title or liability, a fresh period of limitation shall be computed from the time when the acknowledgment was so signed.

(2) Where the writing containing the acknowledgment is undated, oral evidence may be given of the time when it was signed; but subject to the provisions of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (1 of 1872), oral evidence of its contents shall not be received.

Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—

(a) an acknowledgment may be sufficient though it omits to specify the exact nature of the property or right, or avers that the time for payment, delivery, performance or enjoyment has not yet come or is accompanied by a refusal to pay, deliver, perform or permit to enjoy, or is coupled with a claim to set off, or is addressed to a person other than a person entitled to the property or right,

(b) the word “signed” means signed either personally or by an agent duly authorised in this

behalf, and

in respect of any property or right.

Effect of payment on account of debt or of interest on legacy.—Where payment on account of a debt or of interest on a legacy is made before the expiration of the prescribed period by the person liable to pay the debt or legacy or by his agent duly authorised in this behalf, a fresh period of limitation shall be computed from the time when the payment was made:

Provided that, save in the case of payment of interest made before the 1st day of January, 1928, an acknowledgment of the payment appears in the handwriting of, or in a writing signed by, the person making the payment.

Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—

(a) where mortgaged land is in the possession of the mortgagee, the receipt of the rent or produce

of such land shall be deemed to be a payment;

(b) “debt” does not include money payable under a decree or order of a court.

Effect of acknowledgment or payment by another person.—(1) The expression “agent duly authorised in this behalf” in sections 18 and 19 shall, in the case of a person under disability, include his lawful guardian, committee or manager or an agent duly authorised by such guardian, committee or manager to sign the acknowledgment or make the payment.

(2) Nothing in the said sections renders one of several joint contractors, partners, executors or mortgagees chargeable by reason only of a written acknowledgment signed by, or of a payment made by, or by the agent of, any other or others of them.

(3) For the purposes of the said sections,—

(a) an acknowledgment signed or a payment made in respect of any liability by, or by the duly authorised agent of, any limited owner of property who is governed by Hindu law, shall be a valid acknowledgment or payment, as the case may be, against a reversioner succeeding to such liability; and

(b) where a liability has been incurred by, or on behalf of a Hindu undivided family as such, an acknowledgment or payment made by, or by the duly authorised agent of, the manager of the family for the time being shall be deemed to have been made on behalf of the whole family.

Effect of substituting or adding new plaintiff or defendant.—(1) Where after the institution of a suit, a new plaintiff or defendant is substituted or added, the suit shall, as regards him, be deemed to have been instituted when he was so made a party:

Provided that where the court is satisfied that the omission to include a new plaintiff or defendant was due to a mistake made in good faith it may direct that the suit as regards such plaintiff or defendant shall be deemed to have been instituted on any earlier date.

(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall apply to a case where a party is added or substituted owing to assignment or devolution of any interest during the pendency of a suit or where a plaintiff is made a defendant or a defendant is made a plaintiff.

Continuing breaches and torts.—In the case of a continuing breach of contract or in the case of a continuing tort, a fresh period of limitation begins to run at every moment of the time during which the breach or the tort, as the case may be, continues.
1. Suits for compensation for acts not actionable without special damage.—In the case of a suit for compensation for an act which does not give rise to a cause of action unless some specific injury actually results therefrom, the period of limitation shall be computed from the time when the injury results.
Computation of time mentioned in instruments.—All instruments shall for the purposes of this

Act be deemed to be made with reference to the Gregorian calendar.

PART IV

ACQUISITION OF OWNERSHIP BY POSSESSION

Acquisition of easements by prescription.—(1) Where the access and use of light or air to and for any building have been peaceably enjoyed therewith as an easement, and as of right, without interruption, and for twenty years, and where any way or watercourse or the use of any water or any other easement (whether affirmative or negative) has been peaceably and openly enjoyed by any person claiming title thereto as an easement and as of right without interruption and for twenty years, the right to such access and use of light or air, way, watercourse, use of water, or other easement shall be absolute and indefeasible.

(2) Each of the said periods of twenty years shall be taken to be a period ending within two years next

before the institution of the suit wherein the claim to which such period relates is contested.

(3) Where the property over which a right is claimed under sub-section (1) belongs to the Government that sub-section shall be read as if for the words “twenty years” the words “thirty years” were substituted.

Explanation.—Nothing is an interruption within the meaning of this section, unless where there is an actual discontinuance of the possession or enjoyment by reason of an obstruction by the act of some person other than the claimant, and unless such obstruction is submitted to or acquiesced in for one year after the claimant has notice thereof and of the person making or authorising the same to be made.

Exclusion in favour of reversioner of serivent tenement.—Where any land or water upon, over or from, which any easement has been enjoyed or derived has been held under or by virtue of any interest for life or in terms of years exceeding three years from the granting thereof, the time of the enjoyment of such easement during the continuance of such interest or term shall be excluded in the computation of the period twenty years in case the claim is, within three years next after the determination of such interest or term, resisted by the person entitled on such determination to the said land or water.
Extinguishment of right to property.—At the determination of the period hereby limited to any person for instituting a suit for possession of any property, his right to such property shall be extinguished.

PART V

MISCELLANEOUS

[Amendment of certain Acts.]—Rep. by Repealing and Amending Act, 1974 (56 of 1974),s.

2andtheFirst Schedule (w.e.f. 20-12-1974).

Savings.—(1) Nothing in this Act shall affect section 25 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 (9 of

1872).

(2) Where any special or local law prescribes for any suit, appeal or application a period of limitation different from the period prescribed by the Schedule, the provisions of section 3 shall apply as if such period were the period prescribed by the Schedule and for the purpose of determining any period of limitation prescribed for any suit, appeal or application by any special or local law, the provisions contained in sections 4 to 24 (inclusive) shall apply only in so far as, and to the extent to which, they are not expressly excluded by such special or local law.

(3) Save as otherwise provided in any law for the time being in force with respect to marriage and

divorce, nothing in this Act shall apply to any suit or other proceeding under any such law.

(4) Sections 25 and 26 and the definition of “easement” in section 2 shall not apply to cases arising in

the territories to which the Indian Easements Act, 1882 (5 of 1882), may for the time being extend.

Provision for suits, etc., for which the prescribed period is shorter than the period

prescribed by the Indian Limitation Act, 1908.—Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act,—

(a) any suit for which the period of limitation is shorter than the period of limitation prescribed by the Indian Limitation Act, 1908 (9 of 1908), may be instituted within a period of1[seven years] next after the commencement of this Act or within the period prescribed for such suit by the Indian Limitation Act, 1908 (9 of 1908), whichever period expires earlier:

2[Provided that if in respect of any such suit, the said period of seven years expires earlier than the period of limitation prescribed therefor under the Indian Limitation Act, 1908 (9 of 1908) and the said period of seven years together with so much of the period of limitation in respect of such suit under the Indian Limitation Act, 1908 (9 of 1908), as has already expired before the commencement of this Act is shorter than the period prescribed for such suit under this Act, then, the suit may be instituted within the period of limitation prescribed therefor under this Act;]

Subs. by Act 10 of 1969, s. 2, for “five years” (retrospectively).
Ins. by s. 2, ibid. (retrospectively).

(b) any appeal or application for which the period of limitation is shorter than the period of limitation prescribed by the Indian Limitation Act, 1908 (9 of 1908), may be preferred or made within a period of ninety days next after the commencement of this Act or within the period prescribed for such appeal or application by the Indian Limitation Act, 1908, whichever period expires earlier.

Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh (UTs).—

STATE AMENDMENT

Insertion of Section 30A .— After section 30, insert the following section, namely: —

“30A. Provision for suits, etc., for which the prescribed period is shorter than the period prescribed by the Limitation Act, samvat 1995.—Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act,—

(a) Any suit for which the period of limitation is shorter than the period of limitation prescribed by the Limitation Act, Samvat 1995, may be instituted within a period of one year next after the commencement of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 or within the period prescribed for such suit by the Limitation Act, Samvat 1995, whichever period expires earlier:

Provided that if in respect of any such suit, the said period of one year expires earlier than period of limitation prescribed therefor under the Limitation Act, Samvat 1995 (now repealed) and the said period of one year together with so much of the period of limitation in respect of such suit under the said Act, as has already expired before the commencement of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 is shorter than the period prescribed for such suit under the Limitation Act, 1963, then, the suit may be instituted within the period of limitation prescribed therefor under the Limitation Act, 1963;

(b) Any appeal or application for which the period of limitation is shorter than the period of limitation prescribed by the Limitation Act, Samvat 1995, may be preferred or made within a period of ninety days next after the commencement of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 or within the period prescribed for such appeal or application by the Limitation Act, Samvat 1995, whichever period expires earlier.”

[Vide the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (Adaptation of Central Laws) Order, 2020, vide notification No. S.O. 1123(E) dated (18-3-2020) and Vide Union Territory of Ladakh Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Order, 2020, notification No. S.O. 3774(E), dated (23-10-2020).]

Provisions as to barred or pending suits, etc.—Nothing in this Act shall,—

(a) enable any suit, appeal or application to be instituted, preferred or made, for which the period of limitation prescribed by the Indian Limitation Act, 1908 (9 of 1908), expired before the commencement of this Act; or

(b) affect any suit, appeal or application instituted, preferred or made before, and pending at, such

commencement.

[Repeal.]—Rep. by Repealing and Amending Act, 1974 (56 of 1974), s. 2 and the First Schedule

(w.e.f. 20-12-1974).

THE SCHEDULE (PERIODS OF LIMITATION) [See sections 2(j) and 3] FIRST DIVISION—SUITS

Description of suit

Period of limitation

Time from which period begins to run

PART I.—SUITS RELATING TO ACCOUNTS

For the balance due on a mutual, open and current account, where there reciprocal demands between the parties.

been

have

Against a factor for an account.
By a principal against his agent for movable property received by the latter and not accounted for.

Three years.

The close of the year in which the last item admitted or proved is entered in the account; such year to be computed as in the account.

Three years. When

is, during

the account

the continuance of the agency, demanded and refused or, where no such demand is made, when the agency terminates.

Three years. When

is, during

the account

the continuance of the agency, demanded and refused or, where no such demand is made, when the agency terminates.

Other suits by principals against

Three years. When the neglect or misconduct becomes

agents for neglect or misconduct.

known to the plaintiff.

For an account and a share of the

Three years.

The date of the dissolution.

profits of a dissolved partnership.

PART II.—SUITS RELATING TO CONTRACTS

For a seaman’s wages

Three years.

The end of the voyage during which the

wages are earned.

For wages in the case of any other

Three years. When the wages accrue due.

person.

For the price of food or drink sold by the keeper of a hotel, tavern or lodging-house.

Three years. When the food or drink is delivered.

For the price of lodging.

Three years. When the price becomes payable.

Against a carrier for compensation

Three years. When the loss or injury occurs.

for losing or injuring goods.

Against a carrier for compensation for non-delivery of, or delay in delivering, goods.

Three years. When the goods ought to be delivered.

For the hire of animals, vehicles,

Three years. When the hire becomes payable.

boats or household furniture.

For the balance of money advanced in payment of goods to be delivered.
For the price of goods sold and delivered where no fixed period of credit is agreed upon.
For the price of goods sold and delivered to be paid for after the expiry of a fixed period of credit.

Three years. When the goods ought to be delivered.

Three years.

The date of the delivery of the goods.

Three years. When the period of credit expires.

Description of suit

Period of limitation

Time from which period begins to run

For the price of goods sold and delivered to be paid for by a bill of exchange, no such bill being given.
For the price of trees or growing crops sold by the plaintiff to the defendant where no fixed period of credit is agreed upon.
For the price of work done by the plaintiff for the defendant at his request, where no time has been fixed for payment.

Three years. When the period of the proposed bill

elapses.

Three years.

The date of the sale.

Three years. When the work is done.

For money payable for money lent.

Three years. When the loan is made.

Like suit when the lender has given a cheque for the money.
For money lent under an agreement it shall be payable on

that demand.

Three years. When the cheque is paid.

Three years. When the loan is made.

For money deposited under an agreement shall be payable on demand, including money of a customer in the hands of his banker so payable.

that

For money payable to the plaintiff the

paid

for

for money defendant.

For money payable by

the defendant to the plaintiff for money the received defendant, for the plaintiff's use.

For money payable for interest the

upon money due defendant to the plaintiff.

from

For money payable to the plaintiff for money found to be due from the defendant to the plaintiff on accounts stated between them.
For compensation for breach of a promise to do anything at a the specified happening specified contingency.

time, or upon a

Three years. When the demand is made.

Three years. When the money is paid.

Three years. When the money is received.

Three years. When the interest becomes due.

Three years. When the accounts are stated in writing signed by the defendant or his agent duly authorised in this behalf, unless where the debt is, by a simultaneous in writing signed as agreement aforesaid, made payable at a future time, and then when that time arrives.

Three years. When the time specified arrives or the

contingency happens.

On a single bond, where a day is specified for payment.

Three years.

The day so specified.

On a single bond, where no such

Three years.

The date of executing the bond.

day is specified.

On a bond subject to a condition.

Three years. When the condition is broken.

Description of suit

Period of limitation

Time from which period begins to run

On a bill of exchange or promissory note payable at a fixed time after date.
On a bill of exchange payable at sight, or after sight, but not at a fixed time.

Three years. When the bill or note falls due.

Three years. When the bill is presented.

On a bill of exchange accepted

Three years. When the bill is presented at that place.

payable at a particular place.

On a bill of exchange or promissory note payable at a fixed time after sight or after demand.
On a bill of exchange or promissory note payable on demand and not accompanied by any writing restraining or postponing the right to sue.
On a promissory note or bond payable by instalments.
On a promissory note or bond payable by instalments, which provides that, if default be made in payment of one or more instalments, the whole shall be due.
On a promissory note given by the maker to a third person to be delivered to the payee after a certain event should happen.
On a dishonoured foreign bill where protest has been made and notice given.
By the payee against the drawer of a bill of exchange, which has been bynon- dishonoured acceptance. the

an acceptor accommodation-bill against the drawer.

Three years. When the fixed time expires.

Three years.

The date of the bill or note.

Three years.

The expiration of

the first

term of payment as to the part then payable; and for the other parts, the expiration of the respective terms of payment.

Three years. When the default is made, unless where the payee or obligee waives the benefit of the provision and then when fresh default is made in respect of which there is no such waiver.

Three years.

The date of the delivery to the payee.

Three years. When the notice is given.

Three years.

The date of the refusal to accept.

Three years. When the acceptor pays the amount of the

bill.

By a surety against the principal

Three years. When the surety pays the creditor.

debtor.

By a surety against a co-surety.
(a) On a policy of insurance when the sum insured is payable after proof of the death has been given to or received by the insurers.

(b) On a policy of insurance when the sum insured is payable after proof of the loss has been given to or received by the insurers.

Three years. When the surety pays anything in excess of his own share.

Three years.

The date of the death of the deceased, or where the claim on the policy is denied, either partly or wholly, the date of such denial.

The date of the occurrence causing the loss, or where the claim on the policy is denied, either partly or wholly, the date of such denial.

Description of suit

Period of limitation

Time from which period begins to run

By the assured to recover premia paid under a policy voidable at the election of the insurers.
Under the Indian Succession Act, 1925 (39 of 1925), section 360 or section 361, to compel a refund by a person to whom an executor or administrator has paid a legacy or distributed assets.
For money paid upon an existing consideration which afterwards fails.
For contribution by a party who has paid the whole or more than his share of the amount due under a joint decree, or by a sharer in a joint estate who has paid the whole or more than his share of the amount of revenue due from himself and his co-sharers.
By a co-trustee to enforce against the estate of a deceased trustee a claim for contribution.
By the manager of a joint estate of an for undivided contribution, in respect of a payment made by him on account of the estate.

family

the profits of

immovable property the belonging plaintiff which have been the wrongfully defendant.

received by

Three years. When the insurers elect to avoid the

policy.

Three years.

The date of the payment or distribution.

Three years.

The date of the failure.

Three years.

The date of the payment in excess of the

plaintiff’s own share.

Three years. When the right to contribution accrues.

Three years.

The date of the payment.

Three years. When the profits are received.

For arrears of rent.

Three years. When the arrears become due.

By a vendor of immovable property for personal payment of unpaid purchase-money.

Three years.

For specific performance of a

Three years.

contract.

The time fixed for completing the sale, or (where the title is accepted after the time fixed for completion) the date of the acceptance.

The date fixed for the performance, or, if no such date is fixed, when the plaintiff has notice that performance is refused.

For compensation for the breach of any contract, express or implied not herein specially provided for.

Three years. When the contract is broken or (where there are successive breaches) when the breach in respect of which the suit is instituted occurs or (where the breach is continuing) when it ceases.

Description of suit

Period of limitation

Time from which period begins to run

PART III.—SUITS RELATING TO DECLARATIONS

To declare

the

forgery of an

Three years. When the issue or registration becomes

instrument issued or registered.

known to the plaintiff.

To obtain a declaration that an alleged adoption is invalid, or never, in fact, took place.

Three years. When the alleged adoption becomes

known to the plaintiff.

To obtain any other declaration.

Three years. When the right to sue first accrues.

PART IV.—SUITS RELATING TO DECREES AND INSTRUMENTS

To cancel or set aside an instrument or decree or for the rescission of a contract.

Three years. When the facts entitling the plaintiff to have instrument or decree the cancelled or set aside or the contract rescinded first become known to him.

To set aside a transfer of property the guardian of a

made by ward—

(a) by the ward who has attained

Three years. When the ward attains majority.

majority;

(b)by

the representative—

ward’s

legal

(i) when the ward dies within three years from the date of attaining majority.

Three years. When the ward attains majority.

(ii) when the ward dies before

Three years. When the ward dies.

attaining majority.

PART V.—SUITS RELATING TO IMMOVABLE PROPERTY

By a mortgagor—

(a)to

redeem

possession property mortgaged;

recover immovable

(b)to

recover possession of immovable property mortgaged and afterwards transferred by the mortgagee for a valuable consideration;

has

To enforce payment of money secured by a mortgage or otherwise upon immovable property.

charged

By a mortgagee—

Thirty years. When the right to redeem or to recover possession accrues.

Twelve years. When the transfer becomes known to the

plaintiff.

Three years. When the mortgagor re-enters on the mortgaged property.

Twelve years. When the money sued for becomes due.

(a) for foreclosure;

Thirty years. When the money secured by the mortgage

becomes due.

(b) for possession of immovable

Twelve years. When the mortgagee becomes entitled to

property mortgaged.

possession.

Description of suit

Period of limitation

Time from which period begins to run

possession

immovable property based on previous possession and not on title, when the plaintiff while in possession of the property has been dispossessed. possession

immovable property or any interest therein based on title.

Explanation.—For the purposes of

this article— (a)where

the

is by a suit remainderman, a reversioner (other than a landlord) or a devisee, the possession of the defendant shall be deemed to become adverse only when the estate of the remainderman, reversioner or devisee, as the into case may be, possession;

falls

the

(b) where the suit is by a Hindu to the or Muslim entitled immovable of possession property on the death of a Hindu or Muslim female, the possession of the defendant shall be deemed to become adverse only when the female dies; (c)where

is by a suit purchaser at a sale in execution of a decree when the judgment- debtor was out of possession at the date of the purchaser shall be deemed to be a the judgment-debtor who was out of possession. possession

representative of

the sale,

immovable property when the plaintiff has become entitled to possession by reason of any forfeiture or breach of condition.

Twelve years.

The date of dispossession.

Twelve years. When the possession of the defendant

becomes adverse to the plaintiff.

Twelve years. When the forfeiture is incurred or the

condition is broken.

By a landlord to recover possession

Twelve years. When the tenancy is determined.

from a tenant.

PART VI.—SUITS RELATING TO MOVABLE PROPERTY

For specific movable property lost, or acquired by theft, or dishonest misappropriation or conversion.

Three years. When the person having the right to the possession of the property first learns in whose possession it is.

For other specific movable property.

Three years. When the property is wrongfully taken.

recover movable

property deposited or pawned from a depositary or pawnee.

Three years.

The date of refusal after demand.

Description of suit

Period of limitation

Time from which period begins to run

recover movable

deposited afterwards bought depository or pawnee valuable consideration.

pawned, from

property and the for a

Three years. When the sale becomes known to the

plaintiff.

PART VII.—SUITS RELATING TO TORT

For compensation for doing or for omitting to do an act alleged to be in pursuance of any enactment in force for the time being in the territories this Act to which extends.

One year.

When the act or omission takes place.

compensation

for

false

One year.

When the imprisonment ends.

imprisonment.

For compensation for a malicious

One year.

prosecution.

When the plaintiff is acquitted or the prosecution is otherwise terminated.

For compensation for libel.

One year.

When the libel is published.

For compensation for slander.

One year.

When the words are spoken, or, if the words in not themselves, when the special damage complained of results.

actionable

are

For compensation for loss of service occasioned by the seduction of the or daughter.

plaintiff’s

servant

One year.

When the loss occurs.

For compensation for inducing a person to break a contract with the plaintiff.

One year.

The date of the breach.

For compensation for an illegal,

One year.

The date of the distress.

irregular or excessive distress.

For compensation

for wrongful seizure of movable property under legal process.

By executors, administrators or representatives under the Legal Representatives’ Suits Act, 1855 (12 of 1855).
By executors, administrators or representatives under the Indian Fatal Accidents Act, 1855 (13 of 1855).
Under the Legal Representatives’ Suits Act, 1855 (12 of 1855), an an against administrator other representative.

executor, any

One year.

The date of the seizure.

One year.

The date of the death of the person

wronged.

Two years.

The date of the death of the person killed.

Two years. When the wrong complained of is done.

Against one who, having a right to specific to other

use for property purposes, perverts it purposes.

Two years. When the perversion first becomes known

to the person injured thereby.

Description of suit

For compensation for obstructing a

way or a water-course.

Period of limitation Three years.

Time from which period begins to run

The date of the obstruction.

For compensation for diverting a

Three years.

The date of the diversion.

water-course.

For compensation for trespass upon

Three years.

The date of the trespass.

For compensation

immovable property. for

infringing copyright or any other exclusive privilege.

To restrain waste.
For compensation for injury caused injunction wrongfully

by an obtained.

For compensation,—

(a)for wrongfully taking or detaining any specific movable property lost, oracquired by theft, or dishonest misappropriation, or conversion;

(b) for wrongfully taking or injuring or wrongfully detaining any other specific movable property.

Three years.

The date of the infringement.

Three years. When the waste begins. Three years. When the injunction ceases.

Three years.

When the person having the right to the possession of the property first learns in whose possession it is.

Three years. When the property is wrongfully taken or the detainer’s

injured, or when possession becomes unlawful.

PART VIII.—SUITS RELATING TO TRUSTS AND TRUST PROPERTY

To recover possession of immovable property conveyed or bequeathed in trust and afterwards transferred by the trustee for a valuable consideration.
To recover possession of movable property conveyed or bequeathed in trust and afterwards transferred by the trustee for a valuable consideration.
To set aside a transfer of immovable property comprised in a Hindu, Muslim or Buddhist religious or charitable endowment, made by a manager thereof for a valuable consideration.
To set aside a transfer of movable property comprised in a Hindu, Muslim or Buddhist religious or charitable endowment, made by a manager thereof for a valuable consideration.
By the manager of Hindu, Muslim or Buddhist religious or charitable endowment to recover possession immovable of movable properly the comprised endowment which has been previous transferred manager valuable consideration.

by for

a a

Twelve years. When the transfer becomes known to the

plaintiff.

Three years. When the transfer becomes known to the

plaintiff.

Twelve years. When the transfer becomes known to the

plaintiff.

Three years. When the transfer becomes known to the

plaintiff.

Twelve years.

The date of death, resignation or removal of the transferor or the date of the plaintiff as appointment of manager endowment, the whichever is later.

Description of suit

Period of limitation PART IX.—SUITS RELATING TO MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS

Time from which period begins to run

To enforce a right of pre-emption whether the right is founded on law or general usage or on special contract.
By a person against whom 1[an order referred to in rule 63 or in rule 103] of Order XXI of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), or an order under section 28 of thePresidency Small Cause Courts Act, 1882 (15 of 1882), has been made, to establish the right which he claims property to comprised in the order.
To set aside a sale by a civil or revenue court or a sale for arrears of Government revenue or for any demand recoverable as such arrears.

the

To alter or set aside any decision or order of a civil court in any proceeding other than a suit or any act or order of an officer of Government in his official capacity.
Upon a

judgment,

foreign recognisance.

judgment,

including a a or

to be

One year. When the purchaser take under the sale sought impeached, physical possession of the whole or part of the property sold, or, where the subject matter of the sale does not admit of physical possession of the whole or part of the property, when the instrument of sale is registered. The date of the final order.

One year.

One year. When the sale is confirmed or would otherwise have become final and conclusive had no such suit been brought.

One year.

The date of the final decision or order by the court or the date of the act or order of the officer, as the case may be.

Three years.

The date of the judgment or recognisance.

For property which the plaintiff has conveyed while insane.
To make good out of the general estate of a deceased trustee the loss occasioned by a breach of trust.

Three years. When the plaintiff is restored to sanity and has knowledge of the conveyance. The date of the trustee's death or if the loss has not then resulted, the date of the loss.

Three years.

establish recurring right.

periodically

Three years. When the plaintiff is first refused the

enjoyment of the right.

By a Hindu maintenance.

for arrears of

Three years. When the arrears are payable.

Twelve years. When

the

legacy or share becomes

payable or deliverable.

For a legacy or for a share of a residur bequeathed by a testator or for a distributive share of the property of an intestate against an executor or an administrator or some other person legally charged with the duty of distributing the estate.
Subs. by Act 52 of 1964, s. 3 and the Second Schedule, for “an order under rule 63 or rule 103,” (w.e.f. 29-12-1964).

Description of suit

Period of limitation

Time from which period begins to run

For possession of a hereditary

Twelve years. When the defendant takes possession of

office.

Explanation.—A hereditary office is possessed when the properties thereof are usually received, or (if there are no properties) when the duties thereof are usually performed.

the office adversely to the plaintiff.

Suit during the life of a Hindu or Muslim female by a Hindu or Muslim who, if the female died at the date of instituting the suit, would be the possession of land, to have an alienation of such land made by the female declared to be void except for her life or until her re- marriage.

entitled

governed

a Hindu

by Mitakshara law to set aside his father’s alienation of ancestral property.

By a person excluded from a joint family property to enforce a right to share therein.
By or on behalf of any

local authority for possession of any public street or road or any part thereof from which it has been dispossessed or of which it has discontinued the possession.

Any suit (except a suit before the Supreme Court in the exercise of its original jurisdiction) by or on Central of behalf any State Government Government, the Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

or including

the

Twelve years.

The date of the alienation.

Twelve years. When the alienee takes possession of the

property.

Twelve years. When the exclusion becomes known to

the plaintiff.

Thirty years.

The date of

the dispossession or

discontinuance.

Thirty years. When the period of limitation would begin to run under this Act against a like suit by a private person.

PART X.—SUITS FOR WHICH THERE IS NO PRESCRIBED PERIOD

Any suit for which no period of limitation is provided elsewhere in this Schedule.

Three years. When the right to sue accrues.

SECOND DIVISION—APPEALS of

Appeal

order

from acquittal,— (a)under sub-section (1) or sub- section (2) of section 417 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898); sub-section

(b)under

(3) of

Ninety days.

The date of the order appealed from.

Thirty days.

The date of the grant of special leave.

section 417 of that Code.

Description of suit

Period of limitation

Time from which period begins to run

Under

the Code of Criminal

Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898)—

(a) from a sentence of death passed by a court of session or in by a High Court the exercise original criminal jurisdiction;

its

Thirty days.

The date of the sentence.

(b) from any other sentence or any order not being an order of acquittal—

(i) to the High Court

Sixty days.

The date of the sentence or order.

(ii) to any other court

Thirty days.

The date of the sentence or order.

Under the Code of Civil Procedure,

1908 (5 of 1908)—

(a) to a High Court from any

Ninety days.

The date of the decree or order.

decree or order.

(b) to any other court from any

Thirty days.

The date of the decree or order.

decree or order.

From a decree or order of any High Court to the same Court.

Thirty days.

The date of the decree or order.

THIRD DIVISION—APPLICATIONS

PART I.—APPLICATIONS IN SPECIFIED CASES

For leave to appear and defend a summary

under

suit procedure.

Ten days.

When the summons is served.

Under the Arbitration Act, 1940

(10 of 1940),—

(a) for the filing in court of an

Thirty days.

The date of service of the notice of the

award;

(b) for setting aside an award or getting an award remitted for reconsideration.

Under

the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), to have the legalrepresentative of a deceased plaintiff or appellant or of a deceased defendant or respondent, made a party.

making of the award;

Thirty days.

The date of service of the notice of the

filing of the award.

Ninety days.

The date of death of

the plaintiff, appellant, defendant or respondent, as the case may be.

Under the same Code for an order

Sixty days.

The date of abatement.

to set aside an abatement.

To restore a suit or appeal or application review or for revision dismissed for default of appearance or for want of prosecution or for failure to pay costs of service of process or to furnish security for costs.

Thirty days.

The date of dismissal.

Description of suit

Period of limitation

Time from which period begins to run

To set aside a decree passed ex parte or to rehear an appeal decreed or heard ex parte. Explanation.—For the purpose of this article, substituted service under rule 20 of Order V of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908) shall not be deemed to be due service.
For a review of judgment by a court other than the Supreme Court.

Thirty days.

The date of the decree or where the summons or notice was not duly served, when the applicant had knowledge of the decree.

Thirty days.

The date of the decree or order.

record an adjustment or

Thirty days.

When the payment or adjustment is made.

satisfaction of a decree.

For the payment of the amount of

Thirty days.

The date of the decree.

a decree by instalments.

To set aside a sale in execution of a decree, including any such application by a judgment- debtor.
For

possession

by one dispossessed of immovable the property and disputing right of the decree-holder or purchaser in execution of a decree.

sale

For possession after removing resistance or obstruction to delivery of possession of immovable property decreed or sold in execution of a decree.
For leave to appeal as a pauper—

1[Sixty days].

The date of the sale.

Thirty days.

The date of the dispossession.

Thirty days.

The date of resistance or obstruction.

(a) to the High Court;

(b) to any other court.

Sixty days.

The date of decree appealed from.

Thirty days.

The date of decree appealed from.

Ninety days.

The date of the decree or order or

sentence sought to be revised.

Sixty days.

The date of the decree, order or sentence.

To any court for the exercise of its powers of revision under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), or the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898).
To

the High Court

for a certificate of fitness to appeal to the Supreme Court under clause (1) of article 132, article 133 or sub-clause (c) of clause (1) of article 134 of the Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force.

Subs. by Act 104 of 1976, s. 98, for “Thirty days” (w.e.f. 1-2-1977).

Description of suit

Period of limitation

Time from which period begins to run

To the Supreme Court for special

leave to appeal,—

(a) in a case involving death

Sixty days.

The date of the judgment final order or

sentence;

(b) in a case where leave to appeal was refused by the High Court;

sentence.

Sixty days.

The date of the order of refusal.

Ninety days.

The date of the judgment or order.

For delivery of possession by a immovable of purchaser property at a sale in execution of a decree.

One year.

When the sale becomes absolute.

For the enforcement of a decree mandatory

granting injunction.

Three years.

The date of the decree or where a date is

fixed for performance, such date.

For the execution of any decree (other than a decree granting a or mandatory order of any civil court.

injunction)

Twelve years.

1[When] the decree or order becomes enforceable or where the decree or any subsequent order directs any payment of money or the delivery of any property to be made at a certain date or at recurring periods, when default in making the payment or delivery in respect of which execution is sought, takes place:

Provided

that an application for

the enforcement or execution of a decree granting a perpetual injunction shall not be subject to any period of limitation.

PART II—OTHER APPLICATION

Any other application for which is this

no period of provided elsewhere Division.

limitation

Three years.

When the right to apply accrues.

Subs. by Act 53 of 1964, s. 3 and the Second Schedule, for “Where” (w.e.f. 12-12-1964.)

1963_The_Limitation_Act.md 68 KB Permalink History Raw

1963_The_Limitation_Act.md 68 KB

Permalink History Raw