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Find the last date to file a suit, appeal or application under the Limitation Act, 1963. All 137 articles of the Schedule, with excluded time, acknowledgments and the Supreme Court’s COVID-19 exclusion.

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The Schedule: periods of limitation

All 137 articles of the Limitation Act, 1963. Choose one to use it in the calculator.

First Division: Suits (120)

Description	Period	Period begins
For the balance due on a mutual, open and current account, where there have been reciprocal demands between the parties.	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.
Against a factor for an account.	Three years	When the account is, during the continuance of the agency, demanded and refused or, where no such demand is made, when the agency terminates.
By a principal against his agent for movable property received by the latter and not accounted for.	Three years	When the account is, during the continuance of the agency, demanded and refused or, where no such demand is made, when the agency terminates.
Other suits by principals against agents for neglect or misconduct.	Three years	When the neglect or misconduct becomes known to the plaintiff.
For an account and a share of the profits of a dissolved partnership.	Three years	The date of the dissolution.
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 person.	Three years	When the wages accrue due
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 for losing or injuring goods.	Three years	When the loss or injury occurs.
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, boats or house-hold furniture.	Three years	When the hire becomes payable.
For the balance of money advanced in payment of goods to be delivered.	Three years	When the goods ought to be delivered.
For the price of goods sold and delivered where no fixed period of credit is agreed upon.	Three years	The date of the delivery of the goods.
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 period of credit expires.
For the price of goods sold and delivered to be paid for by a bill of exchange, no such bill being given.	Three years	When the period of the proposed bill elapses.
For the price of trees or growing crops sold by the plaintiff to the defendant where no fixed period of credit is agreed upon.	Three years	The date of the sale.
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 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.	Three years	When the cheque is paid.
For money lent under an agreement that it shall be payable on demand.	Three years	When the loan is made.
For money deposited under an agreement that it shall be payable on demand, including money of a customer in the hands of his banker so payable.	Three years	When the demand is made.
For money payable to the plaintiff for money paid for the defendant.	Three years	When the money is paid.
For money payable by the defendant to the plaintiff for money received by the defendant, for the plaintiff's use.	Three years	When the money is received.
For money payable for interest upon money due from the defendant to the plaintiff.	Three years	When the interest becomes due.
For money payable to the plaintiff for money found to be due from the defendant to the plaintiff on accounts stated between them.	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 agreement in writing signed as aforesaid, made payable at a future time, and then when that time arrives.
For compensation for breach of a promise to do anything at a specified .time, or upon the happening of a specified contingency.	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 day is specified.	Three years	The date of executing the bond.
On a bond subject to a condition.	Three years	When the condition is broken.
On a bill of exchange or promissory note payable at a fixed time after date.	Three years	When the bill or note falls due.
On a bill of exchange payable at sight, or after sight, but not at a fixed time.	Three years	When the bill is presented.
On a bill of exchange accepted payable at a particular place.	Three years	When the bill is presented at that place.
On a bill of exchange or promissory note payable at a fixed time, after sight or after demand.	Three years	When the fixed time expires.
On a bill of exchange or promissory note payable on demand and not accompanied by any writing restraining or postponing the right to sue.	Three years	The date of the bill or note.
On a promissory note or bond payable by installments.	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.
On a promissory note or bond payable by installments, which provides that, if default be made in payment of one or more installments, the whole shall be due.	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.
On a promissory note given by the maker to a third person to be delivered to the payee after a certain event should happen.	Three years	The date of the delivery to the payee.
On a dishonoured foreign bill where protest has been made and notice given.	Three years	When the notice is given.
By the payee against the drawer of a bill of exchange, which has been dishonoured by non-acceptance.	Three years	The date of the refusal to accept.
By the acceptor of an accommodation bill against the drawer.	Three years	When the acceptor pays the amount of the bill.
By a surety against the principal debtor.	Three years	When the surety pays the creditor.
By a surety against a co-surety.	Three years	When the surety pays anything in excess of his own share.
On a policy of insurance 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.	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.
On a policy of insurance 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	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.
By the assured to recover premia paid under a policy voidable at the election of the insurers.	Three years	When the insurers elect to avoid the policy.
Under the Indian Succession Act, 1925 (39 of 1925), section 36p or section 361, to compel a refund by a person to whom an executor or administrator has paid a legacy or distributed assets.	Three years	The date of the payment or distribution.
For money paid upon an existing consideration which afterwards fails.	Three years	The date of the failure.
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.	Three years	The date of the payment in excess of the plaintiff's own share.
By a co-trustee to enforce against the estate of a deceased trustee a claim for contribution.	Three years	When the right to contribution accrues.
By the manager of a joint estate of an undivided family for contribution, in respect of a payment made by him on account of the estate.	Three years	The date of the payment.
For the profits of immovable property belonging to the plaintiff which have been wrongfully received by the defendant.	Three years	When the profits are received.
For arrears of rent.	Three years	Where the arrears become due.
By a vendor of immovable property for personal payment of unpaid purchase-money.	Three years	The time fixed for completing the sale, or (where the title is accepted after the time fixed for completion) the date of the acceptance.
For specific performance of a contract.	Three years	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.
To declare the forgery of an instrument issued or registered.	Three years	When the issue or registration becomes 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.
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 the instrument or decree cancelled or set aside or the contract rescinded first become known to him.
To set aside a transfer of property made by the guardian of a ward by the ward who has attained majority.	Three years	When the ward attains majority.
To set aside a transfer of property made by the guardian of a ward by the ward's legal representative: When the ward dies within three years from the date of attaining majority.	Three years	When the ward attains majority.
To set aside a transfer of property made by the guardian of a ward by the ward's legal representative: When the ward dies before attaining majority.	Three years	When the ward dies.
By a mortgagor to redeem or recover possession of immovable property mortgaged.	Thirty years	When the right to redeem or to recover possession accrues.
By a mortgagor to recover possession of immovable property mortgaged and afterwards transferred by the mortgagee for a valuable consideration.	Twelve years	When the transfer becomes known to the plaintiff.
By a mortgagor to recover surplus collections received by the mortgagee after the mortgage has been satisfied.	Three years	When the mortgagor re-enters on the mortgaged property.
To enforce payment of money secured by a mortgage or otherwise charged upon immovable property.	Twelve years	When the money sued for becomes due.
By a mortgagee for foreclosure.	Thirty years	When the money secured by the mortgage becomes due.
By a mortgagee for possession of immovable property mortgaged.	Twelve years	When the mortgagee becomes entitled to possession.
For possession of immovable property based on previous possession and not on title, when the plaintiff while in possession of the property has been dispossessed.	Twelve years	The date of dispossession.
For possession of immovable property or any interest therein based on title.	Twelve years	When the possession of the defendant becomes adverse to the plaintiff.
For possession of immovable property when the plaintiff has become entitled to possession by reason of any forfeiture or breach of condition.	Twelve years	When the forfeiture is incurred or the condition is broken.
By a landlord to recover possession from a tenant.	Twelve years	When the tenancy is determined.
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.
To recover movable property deposited or pawned from a depository or pawnee.	Three years	The date of refusal after demand.
To recover movable property deposited or pawned and afterwards bought from the depository or pawnee for a valuable consideration.	Three years	When the sale becomes known to the plaintiff.
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 to which this Act extends.	One year
For compensation for false imprisonment	One year
For compensation for a malicious prosecution.	One year
For compensation for libel.	One year
For compensation for slander.	One year
For compensation for loss of service occasioned by the seduction of the plaintiff's servant or daughter.	One year
For compensation for inducing a person to break a contract with the plaintiff.	One year
For compensation for an illegal, irregular or excessive distress.	One year
For compensation for wrongful seizure of movable property under legal process.	One year
By executors, administrators or representatives under the Legal Representatives' Suits Act, 1855 (12 of 1855).	One year
By executors, administrators or representatives under the Indian Fatal Accidents Act, 1855 (13 of 1855).	Two years
Under the Legal Representatives' Suits Act, 1855 (12 of 1855) against an executor, an administrator or any other representative.	Two years
Against one who, having a right to use property for specific purposes, perverts it to other purposes.	Two years	When the perversion first becomes known to the person injured thereby.
For compensation for obstructing a way or a water course.	Three years	The date of the obstruction.
For compensation for diverting a watercourse.	Three years	The date of the diversion.
For compensation for trespass upon immovable property.	Three years	The date of the trespass.
For compensation for infringing copyright or any other exclusive privilege.	Three years	The date of the infringement.
To restrain waste.	Three years	When the waste begins.
For compensation for injury caused by an injunction wrongfully obtained.	Three years	When the injunction ceases.
For compensation for wrongfully taking or detaining any 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 compensation for wrongfully taking or injuring or wrongfully detaining any other specific movable property.	Three years	When the property is wrongfully taken or injured, or when the detainer's possession becomes unlawful.
To recover possession of immovable property conveyed or bequeathed in trust and afterwards transferred by the trustee for a valuable consideration.	Twelve years	When the transfer becomes known to the plaintiff.
To recover possession of movable property conveyed or bequeathed in trust and afterwards transferred by the trustee for a valuable consideration.	Three years	When the transfer becomes known to the plaintiff.
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.	Twelve years	When the transfer becomes known to the plaintiff.
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.	Three years	When the transfer becomes known to the plaintiff.
By the manager of a Hindu, Muslim or Buddhist religious or charitable endowment to recover possession of movable or immovable properly comprised in the endowment which has been transferred by a previous manager for a valuable consideration.	Twelve years	The date of death, resignation or removal of the transferor or the date of appointment of the plaintiff as manager of the endowment, whichever is later.
To enforce a right of pre-emption whether the right is founded on law or general usage or on special contract.	One year	When the purchaser takes under the sale sought to be 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.
By a person against whom an of Order XXI of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908) or an order under section 28 of the Presidency Small Cause Courts Act, 1882 (15 of 1882) has been made, to establish the right which he claims to the property comprised in the order.	One year	The date of the final 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.	One year	When the sale is confirmed or would otherwise have become final and conclusive had no such suit been brought.
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.	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.
Upon a judgment including a foreign judgment, or a recognisance.	Three years	The date of the judgment or recognisance.
For property which the plaintiff has conveyed while insane.	Three years	When the plaintiff is restored to sanity and has knowledge of the conveyance.
To make good out of the general estate of a deceased trustee the loss occasioned by a breach of trust.	Three years	The date of the trustee's death or if the loss has not then resulted, the date of the loss.
To establish a periodically recurring right.	Three years	When the plaintiff is first refused the enjoyment of the right.
By a Hindu for arrears of maintenance.	Three years	When the arrears are payable.
For a legacy or for a share of a residue 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.	Twelve years	When the legacy or share becomes payable or deliverable.
For possession of a hereditary 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.	Twelve years	When the defendant takes possession of 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 entitled to 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.	Twelve years	The date of the alienation.
By a Hindu governed by Mitakshara law to set aside his father's alienation of ancestral property.	Twelve years	When the alienee takes possession of the property.
By a person excluded from a joint family property to enforce a right to share therein.	Twelve years	When the exclusion becomes known to the plaintiff.
By or on behalf of a 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.	Thirty years	The date of the dispossession or discontinuance
Any suit (except a suit before the Supreme Court in the exercise of its original jurisdiction) by or on behalf of the Central Government or any State Government, including the Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir.	Thirty years	When the period of limitation would begin to run under this Act against a like suit by a private person.
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 (8)

Description	Period	Period begins
Appeal from an order of acquittal under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) of section 417 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898).	Ninety days	The date of the order appealed from.
Appeal from an order of acquittal under sub-section (3) of section 417 of the Code.	Thirty days	The date of the grant of special leave.
Under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898) from a sentence of death passed by a court of session or by a High Court in the exercise of its original criminal jurisdiction.	Thirty days	The date of the sentence.
Under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898) from any other sentence or any order not being an order of acquittal: to the High Court.	Sixty days	The date of the sentence or order.
Under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898) from any other sentence or any order not being an order of acquittal: to any other court.	Thirty days	The date of the sentence or order.
Under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908) to a High Court from any decree or order.	Ninety days	The date of the decree or order.
Under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908) to any other court from any decree or order.	Thirty days	The date of the 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 (24)

Description	Period	Period begins
For leave to appear and defend a suit under summary procedure.	Ten days	When the summons is served.
Under the Arbitration Act, 1940 (10 of 1940) for the filing in court of an award.	Thirty days	The date of service of the notice of the making of the award.
Under the Arbitration Act, 1940 (10 of 1940) for setting aside an award or getting an award remitted for reconsideration.	Thirty days	The date of service of the notice of the filing of the award.
Under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908) to have the legal representative of a deceased plaintiff or appellant, or of a deceased defendant or respondent, made a p.arty.	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 to set aside an abatement.	Sixty days	The date of abatement.
To restore a suit or appeal or application for review or 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.
To set aside a decree passed ex parte or to re-hear an appeal decreed or heard ex parte.	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.
For a review of judgment by a court other than the Supreme Court.	Thirty days	The date of the decree or order.
To record an adjustment or satisfaction of a decree.	Thirty days	When the payment or adjustment is made.
For the payment of the amount of a decree by installments.	Thirty days	The date of the decree.
To set aside a sale in execution of a decree, including any such application by a judgment-debtor.	Sixty days	The date of the sale.
For possession by one dispossessed of immovable property and disputing the right of the decree-holder or purchaser at a sale in execution of a decree.	Thirty days	The date of the dispossession.
For possession after removing resistance or obstruction to delivery of possession of immovable property decreed or sold in execution of a decree.	Thirty days	The date of resistance or obstruction.
For leave to appeal as a pauper to the High Court;	Sixty days	The date of decree appealed from.
For leave to appeal as a pauper to any other court.	Thirty days	The date of decree appealed from.
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).	Ninety days	The date of the decree or order or sentence sought to be revised.
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.	Sixty days	The date of the decree, order or sentence.
To the Supreme Court for special leave to appeal in a case involving death sentence.	Sixty days	The date of the judgment, final order or sentence.
To the Supreme Court for special leave to appeal in a case where leave to appeal was refused by the High Court.	Sixty days	The date of the order of refusal.
To the Supreme Court for special leave to appeal in any other case.	Ninety days	The date of the judgment or order.
For delivery of possession by a purchaser of immovable property at a sale in execution of a decree.	One year	When the sale becomes absolute.
For the enforcement of a decree granting a mandatory 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 mandatory injunction) or order of any civil court.	Twelve years	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:
Any other application for which no period of limitation is provided elsewhere in this division.	Three years	When the right to apply accrues.

Limitation FAQs

What is the limitation period for a civil suit in India?

It depends on the kind of suit: the Schedule to the Limitation Act, 1963 lists the period for each. Most money and contract suits have three years; suits for possession of immovable property based on title have twelve years (Article 65). A suit not covered by any article has three years from when the right to sue accrues (Article 113).

Can the delay in filing be condoned?

For appeals and applications, yes: under Section 5 the court may admit them late if there was sufficient cause for the delay. Section 5 does not apply to suits, so a suit filed after the period is dismissed (Section 3).

What if the last day is a court holiday?

Under Section 4, if the period ends on a day the court is closed, the suit, appeal or application can be filed on the day the court reopens.

Does an acknowledgment of debt extend limitation?

Yes. A written, signed acknowledgment of liability made before the period expires starts a fresh period from the date it was signed (Section 18). A part-payment made before expiry has the same effect (Section 19).

How was limitation affected by COVID-19?

The Supreme Court (Suo Motu W.P.(C) No. 3 of 2020, order of 10 January 2022) excluded 15 March 2020 to 28 February 2022. Where limitation would have expired in that period, parties got at least 90 days from 1 March 2022, or the longer balance if more was left.

For general reference only, not legal advice. Special laws can prescribe their own periods (s.29), and courts are closed on dates this calculator cannot know. The Schedule’s text is as reproduced from the Act; confirm the period and its starting point for your matter.

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