The Limitation Act 1963

THIRD DIVISION: APPLICATIONS (Articles 118-137) This Division covers all requests to the court that are neither an initial suit nor an appeal. These deadlines are generally the shortest, often measured in days. PART I: APPLICATIONS IN SPECIFIED CASES (Articles 118-136) This section includes specific, critical procedural applications. Article 118. Summary Procedure Defence Article 120 & […]

SECOND DIVISION: APPEALS (Articles 114-117) This Division outlines the deadlines for challenging a court’s decision in a superior court. The periods are generally very short, ranging from 30 to 90 days, reinforcing the need for immediate action after a judgment. Article 114. Appeals from Orders of Acquittal (Criminal Procedure) Article 115. Appeals from Sentences and

PART V: MISCELLANEOUS Section 28. [Repealed.] Section 29. Savings. This section deals with how the Limitation Act interacts with other special and local laws that have their own time limits. Sub-section (1) Sub-section (2) Sub-section (3) Sub-section (4) Section 30. Provision for suits, etc., for which the prescribed period is shorter than the period prescribed

PART IV: ACQUISITION OF OWNERSHIP BY POSSESSION Section 25. Acquisition of easements by prescription. This section explains how certain legal rights over another person’s land (easements) can be legally acquired simply by using them openly and continuously for a long time. Sub-section (1) Sub-section (2) Sub-section (3) Explanation (for Section 25) This highly detailed part

PART III: COMPUTATION OF PERIOD OF LIMITATION This part details the specific rules for calculating and adjusting the time limits based on events like court closures, delays in obtaining documents, and proceedings in the wrong court. Section 12. Exclusion of time in legal proceedings. This section explains which specific days must be excluded (not counted)

LIMITATION OF SUITS, APPEALS AND APPLICATIONS Section 3. Bar of limitation. Sub-section (1) Sub-section (2) For the purposes of this Act,- Clause (a) a suit is instituted,- Clause (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

The Limitation Act of 1963 is the cornerstone of India’s legal system regarding time limits. It dictates the maximum period within which a legal proceeding—a suit, appeal, or application—must be initiated. Miss this deadline, and your right to approach the court is lost forever, regardless of the merit of your case. This guide breaks down