Summary of Limitation Periods

 

📊 Summary of Limitation Periods

Type of Suit / Matter	Limitation Period	Starts From
Breach of contract, recovery of money, debt, etc.	3 years	When the contract is breached / money becomes due
Tort (like compensation for injury, defamation)	1 year	When the injury or damage occurs
Suit for possession of immovable property	12 years	When possession becomes adverse (adverse possession)
Suit by mortgagor or mortgagee	12 years	From date of redemption or default
Execution of decree (other than money decree)	12 years	Date when the decree becomes enforceable
Execution of money decree (not being a court order)	12 years	Date of decree
Recovery of immovable property by the government	30 years	When possession becomes adverse
Recovery of money by the government	30 years	When the money becomes due
Appeals (civil)	90 days (High Court), 30 days (other courts)	Date of decree or order
Appeals (criminal)	60 days (High Court), 90 days (Supreme Court)	Date of judgment or order
Applications for review	30 days	Date of decree or order
Applications for setting aside ex-parte decree	30 days	Date of knowledge of the decree

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⏰ Important Sections

• Section 3 → Bar of limitation

• Section 5 → Condonation of delay (only for appeals & applications, not suits)

• Section 6-8 → Legal disability (minors, insane persons)

• Section 12-15 → Exclusion of certain periods (like time to get a certified copy)

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📝 Notes

• Limitation period does NOT create rights, but it bars the remedy in court.

• Courts are bound to apply limitation law even if the defendant doesn’t raise it.

• For contracts, limitation resets if acknowledgment of debt is made in writing (Section 18).