Most legal claims must be filed within a fixed time, called the limitation period. Miss it, and a good case can be thrown out. The Limitation Act, 1963 sets the periods for most suits, appeals and applications; other laws set their own. Choose your matter and the date the time starts, to see the last date.
Tool · Limitation Act, 1963 and other laws
Limitation period calculator
This covers common matters only. If yours is not listed, or the facts are unusual, take advice.
A guide only: the starting point, exclusions and exceptions depend on the facts. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere.
Common limitation periods
| Matter | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery of money lent; breach of contract; specific performance; declaration; arrears of rent | 3 years | Limitation Act, Articles 19, 55, 54, 58, 52 |
| Possession of immovable property (after dispossession, or based on title) | 12 years | Articles 64 and 65 |
| Execution of a decree | 12 years | Article 136 |
| Civil appeal to the High Court / to another court | 90 days / 30 days | Article 116 |
| Criminal appeal against conviction to the High Court / to another court | 60 days / 30 days | Article 115 |
| Review; setting aside an ex parte decree | 30 days | Articles 124 and 123 |
| Consumer complaint | 2 years | Consumer Protection Act, Section 69 |
| Challenge to an arbitral award | 3 months (+30 days) | Arbitration and Conciliation Act, Section 34(3) |
Exceptions that can extend time
- Court closed on the last day: file on the next working day (Section 4).
- Condonation of delay: appeals and applications (but not suits) can be admitted late for sufficient cause (Section 5).
- Minors and persons of unsound mind: time can run from when the disability ends (Section 6).
- Written acknowledgment or part-payment of a debt within the period gives a fresh period (Sections 18 and 19).
- Time to obtain certified copies is excluded for appeals and similar applications (Section 12).
These tools give general information to help you prepare. They are not legal advice, and nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere.