The Limitation Act, 1963

 The Limitation Act, 1963 is an important Indian law that sets time limits within which legal actions (like filing a suit, appeal, or application) must be initiated in courts.

Here’s a quick breakdown for you:

✅ Objective:
To provide a uniform period of limitation for different types of legal claims so that disputes are settled within a reasonable time and evidence does not become stale.

✅ Key Features:

• Came into force: 1 January 1964

• Applies to: Whole of India (except Jammu & Kashmir at the time; now it applies post-reorganization)

• Total Sections: 32 + The Schedule (which lists specific periods for various matters)

• Covers:

  • Civil suits (like property disputes, contracts, money recovery)

  • Appeals

  • Applications (like execution of decrees)

✅ Important provisions:

• Section 3 → Courts must dismiss a suit filed beyond limitation, even if the defendant does not raise the objection.

• Section 5 → Delay in filing appeals or applications (not suits) may be condoned if sufficient cause is shown.

• Section 6-8 → Exemptions for persons under disability (like minors or mentally ill).

• Section 9 → Once time starts running, it is not stopped by subsequent disability.

• Section 12-15 → Exclusions of time (for example, time taken to get a copy of the decree).

✅ The Schedule (attached to the Act) lists:

• Specific time limits (like 3 years for breach of contract, 12 years for mortgage suits, 30 years for recovery of government dues).

✅ Why it matters:
If you file a case after the limitation period, the court can reject it outright, even if your underlying claim is strong.