Limitation Act, 1963 :: Indian Bare Acts
1. Short title, extent and commencement ---
(1) This Act may be called the Limitation Act,
1963.
(2) It extends to the whole of India except
the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
(3) It shall come into force on such date as
the Central Government may be notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.
Note
It came into force on 1st January, 1965, (Published in Gazette of India Part II, Sec.3 (2), dated 9-11-1963).
2. Definitions: -
In this Act, unless
the context otherwise requires.
ii. any person whose estate is represented by
the plaintiff as executor, administrator or other representative;
j."period of limitation" means the
period of limitation prescribed for any suit, appeal or application by the
Schedule, and "prescribed period" means the period of limitation
computed in accordance with the provisions of this Act;
3. Bar of limitation
(1) Subject to the provisions contained in sections 4 to 24
(inclusive) every suit instituted, appeal preferred, and application made after
the prescribed period shall be dismissed although limitation has not been set
up as defense;
1. For the purposes of this Act,
4. Expiry of prescribed period when court is
closed –
When the prescribed period for any suit, appeal
or application expires on a day when the court is closed, the suit, appeal or
application may be instituted, preferred or made on the day when the court
reopens.
Explanation - A court shall be deemed to be closed on any day within the meaning of this section if during any part of its normal working hours it remains closed on that day.
5. Extension of prescribed period in certain cases –
Any appeal or any application, other than an application under
any of the provisions of Order XXI of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of
1908) may be admitted after the prescribed period, if the appellant or the
applicant satisfies the court that he had sufficient cause for not preferring
the appeal or making the application within such period.
Explanation - The fact that the appellant or the
applicant was misled by any order, practice or judgment of the High Court in
ascertaining or computing the prescribed period may be sufficient cause within
the meaning of this section.
Comment: "We do not find any cogent ground given in the application for condonation of delay which in law can constitute sufficient cause to explain the inordinate delay in filing of the special leave petitions." Warlu, Appellant v. Gangotribai AIR 1994 SUPREME COURT 466
6. Legal disability –
Where a person entitled to institute a suit or make an
application for the execution of a decree is, at the time from which the
prescribed period is to be reckoned, a minor or insane, or an idiot, he may
institute the suit or make the application within the same period after the
disability has ceases, as would otherwise have been allowed from the time
specified therefor in the third column of the Schedule.
(2) Where such person is, at the time from which the prescribed
period it to be reckoned, affected by two such disabilities, or where, before
his disability has ceased, he is affected by another disability, he may
institute the suit or make the application within the same period after both
disabilities have ceased, as would otherwise have been allowed from the time so
specified.
(3) Where the disability continues upto the death of that
person, his legal representative may institute the suit or make the application
within the same period after the death, as would otherwise have been allowed
from the time so specified.
(4) Where the legal representative referred to in sub-section
(3) is, at the date of the death of the person whom he represents. affected by
any such disability, the rules contained in sub-sections (1) and (2) shall
apply.
(5) Where a person under disability dies after the disability
ceases but within the period allowed to him under this section, his legal
representative may institute the suit or make the application within the same
period after the death, as would otherwise have been available to that person
had he not died.
Explanation - For the purposes of this section
'minor' includes a child in the womb.
Notes - This section corresponds with section 6 of the old Act with some changes.
7. Disability of one of several persons –
Where one of several persons jointly entitled to institute a
suit or make an application for the execution of a decree is under any such
disability, and a discharge can be given without the concurrence of such
person, time will run against them all; but, where no such discharge can be
given, time will not run as against any of them until one of them becomes
capable of giving such discharge without the concurrence of the others or until
the disability has cased.
Explanation I - This section applies to a discharge
from every kind of liability, including a liability in respect of any immovable
property.
Explanation II - For the purposes of this section, the manager of a Hindu undivided family governed by the Mitakshara law shall be deemed to be capable of giving a discharge without the concurrence of the other members of the family only if he is in management of the joint-family property.
8. Special exceptions –
Nothing in section 6 or in section 7 applies to suits to enforce rights of pre-emotion, or shall be deemed to extend, for more than three years from the cessation of the disability or the death of the person affected thereby the period of limitation for any suit or application.
9. Continuous running of time –
Where once time has begun to run, no subsequent disability or
inability to institute a suit or make an application stops it:
Provided that where letters of administration to the estate of a creditor have been granted to his debtor, the running of the period of limitation for a suit to recover the debt shall be suspended while the administration continues.
10. Suits against trustees and their representatives –
Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions
of this Act, no suit against a person in whom property has become vested if trust
for any specific purpose, or against his legal representatives or assigns (not
being assigns for valuable consideration), for the purpose of following in his
or their hands such property, or the proceeds thereof or for an account of such
property or proceeds, shall be barred by any length of time.
Explanation - For the purposes of this section any property comprised in a Hindu, Muslim or Buddhist religious or charitable endowment shall be deemed to be property vested in trust for a specific purpose and the manager of the property shall be deemed to be the trusted thereof.
11. Suits on contracts entered into outside the
territories to which the Act extends –
(1) Suits instituted in the territories to which this Act
extends on contracts entered into the State of Jammu and Kashmir or in a
foreign country shall be rules of limitation contained in this Act.
(2) No rule of limitation in force in the State of Jammu and
Kashmir or in a foreign country shall be a defense to a suit instituted in the
said territories on a contract entered into in that State or in a foreign
country unless -
a. the rule has
extinguished the contract; and
b. the parties were domiciled in that State or in the foreign country during the period prescribed by such rule.
12. Exclusion of time in legal proceedings –
(1) In computing the period of limitation for any suit, appeal
or application, the day from which such period is to be reckoned shall be
excluded.
(2) In computing the period of limitation for an appeal or an
application for leave to appeal or for revision or for review of a judgment,
the day on which the judgment complained of was pronounced and the time
requisite for obtaining a copy of the decree, sentence or order appealed from
or sought to be revised or reviewed shall be excluded.
(3) Where a decree or order is appealed from or sought to be
revised or reviewed, or when an application is made for leave to appeal from a
decree or order the time requisite for obtaining a copy of the judgment on
which the decree or order is founded shall also be excluded.
(4) In computing the period of limitation for an application to
set aside an award, the time requisite for obtaining a copy of the award shall
be excluded.
Explanation - In computing under this section the time requisite for obtaining a copy of a decree or an order, any time taken by the court to prepare the decree or order before an application for copy thereof is made shall not be excluded.
13. Exclusion of time in cases where leave to sue or
appeal as a pauper is applied for –
In computing the period of limitation prescribed for any suit or appeal in any case where an application for leave to sue or appeal as a pauper has been made and rejected, the time during which the applicant has been prosecuting in good faith his application for such leave shall be excluded, and the court may, on payment of the court-fees prescribed for such suit or appeal, treat the suit or appeal as having the same force and effect as if the court-fees had been paid in the first instance.
14. Exclusion of time of proceeding bona fide in court
without jurisdiction –
(1) In computing the period of limitation for any suit the time
during which the plaintiff has been prosecuting with due diligence another
civil proceeding, whether in a court of first instance or of the appeal or
revision, against the defendant shall be excluded, where the proceeding relates
to the same matter in issue and is prosecuted in good faith in a court which,
from defect of jurisdiction or other cause of a like nature, is unable to
entertain it.
(2) In computing the period of limitation for any application,
the time during which the applicant has been prosecuting with due diligence
another civil proceeding, whether in a court of first instance or of appeal or
revision, against the same party for the same relief shall be excluded, where
such proceeding is prosecuted in good faith in a count of first instance or of
appeal or revision, against the same party for the same relief shall be
excluded, where such proceeding is prosecuted in good faith in a court which,
from defect of jurisdiction or other cause of a like nature, is unable to
entertain it.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in rule 2 of Order XXIII
of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), the provisions of sub-section
(1) shall apply in relation to a fresh suit instituted on permission granted by
the court under rule of that Order, where such permission is granted on the
ground that the first suit must fail by reason of a defect in the jurisdiction
of the court of other cause of a like nature.
Explanation - For the purpose of this section, -
a. in excluding the time during which a former
civil proceeding was pending, the day on which that proceeding was instituted
and the day on which it ended shall both be counted;
b. a plaintiff or an applicant resisting an
appeal shall be deemed to be prosecuting a proceeding;
c. misjoinder of parties or of causes of action shall be deemed to be a cause of a like nature with defect of jurisdiction.
15. Exclusion of time in certain other cases –
(1) In computing the period of limitation for any suit or
application for the execution of a decree, the institution or execution of
which has been stayed by injunction or order, the time of continuance of the
injunction or order, the day on which it was issued or made, and the day on
which it was withdrawn, shall be excluded.
(2) In computing the period of limitation for any suit of which
notice has been given, or for which the previous consent or sanction of the
Government or any other authority is required, in accordance with the
requirements of any law for the time being in force, the period of such notice
or, as the case may be, the time required for obtaining such consent or
sanction shall be excluded.
Explanation - In excluding the time required for
obtaining the consent or sanction of the Government or any other authority, the
date on which the application was made obtaining the consent or sanction and
the date of receipt of the order of the Government or other authority shall
both be counted.
(3) In computing the period of limitation for any suit or
application for execution of decree by any receiver of interim receiver
appointed in proceedings for the adjudication of a person as an insolvent or by
any liquidator or provisional liquidator appointment in proceedings for the
winding up of a company, the period beginning with the date of institution of such
proceeding and ending with the expiry of three months from the date of
appointment of such receiver or liquidator, as the case may be, shall be
excluded.
(4) In computing the period of limitation for a suit for
possession by a purchaser at a sale in execution of a decree, the time during
which a proceeding to set aside the sale has been prosecuted shall be excluded.
(5) In computing the period of limitation for any suit the time during which the defendant has been absent from India and from the territories outside India under the administration of the Central Government, shall be excluded.
16. Effect of death on or before the accrual of the right
to sue –
(1) Where a person who would, if he were living, have a right to
institute a suit or make an application dies before the right accrues, or where
a right to institute a suit or make an application accrues only on the death of
a person, the period of limitation shall be computed from the time when there
is a legal representative of the deceased capable of instituting such suit or
making such application.
(2) Where a person against whom, if he were living, a right to
institute a suit or make an application would have accrued dies before the
right accrues, or where a right to institute a suit or make an application
against any person accrues on the death of such person, the period of
limitation shall be computed from the time when there is a legal representative
of the deceased against whom the plaintiff may institute such suit or make such
application.
(3) Nothing in sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) applies to suits to enforce rights of preemption or to suit for the possession of immovable property or of a hereditary office.
17. Effect of fraud or mistake –
(1) Where, in the case of any suit or application for which a
period of limitation is prescribed by this Act-
a. the suit or
application is based upon the fraud of the defendant or respondent or his
agent; or
the period of limitation shall not begin to run until the
plaintiff or applicant has discovered the fraud or the mistake or could, with
reasonable diligence, has discovered it, or in the case of concealed document,
until the plaintiff or the applicant first had the means of producing the
concealed document or compelling its production:
Provided that nothing in this section shall enable any
suit to be instituted or application to be made to recover or enforce any
charge against or set aside any transaction affecting, any property which-
i. in the case of fraud, has been purchased
for valuable consideration by a person who was not a party to the fraud and did
not at the time of the purchase know, or have reason to believe, that any fraud
had been committed, or
(2) Where a judgment-debtor has, by fraud or force, prevented
the execution of a decree or order within the period of limitation, the court
may, on the application of the judgment-creditor made after the expiry of the
said period extend the period for execution of the decree or order:
Provided that such application is made within one year from the date of the discovery of the fraud or the cessation of force, as the case may be.
18. Effect of acknowledgment in writing –
(1) Where before the expiration of the prescribed period for a
suit or application in respect or any property or right, an acknowledgment of
liability in respect of such property or right has been made in writing signed
by the party against whom such property or right is claimed, or by any person
through whom he derived his title or liability, a fresh period of limitation
shall be computed from the time when the acknowledgment was so signed.
(2) Where the writing containing thee acknowledgement is
undated, oral evidence may be given of the time when it was signed; but subject
to the provisions of the Indian Evidence Act,1872 ( 1 of 1872), oral evidence
of its contents shall not be received.
Explanation - For the purposes of this section, -
a. an acknowledgment may be sufficient though
it omits to specify the exact nature of the property or right, or avers that
the time for payment, delivery, performance or enjoyment has not yet come or is
accompanied by refusal to pay, deliver, perform or permit to enjoy, or is
coupled with a claim to set-off, or is addressed to a person other than a
person entitled to the property or ornight;
NOTES - It is not necessary that an acknowledgment within
Section 18 must contain a promise pay or should amount to a promise to pay.
(Subbarsadya v.Narashimha, AIR 1936 Mad.939)
The above section corresponds to S.19 of the old Act and makes slight changes.
19. Effect of payment on account of debt or of interest on
legacy –
Where payment on account of a debt or of interest on a legacy is
made before the expiration of the prescribed period by the person liable to pay
the debt or legacy or by his agent duly Authorized in this behalf, a fresh
period of limitation shall be computed from the time when payment was made:
Provided that, save in the case of payment of interest
made before the 1st day of January,1928, an acknowledgment of the
payment appears in the hand-writing of, or in a writing signed by the person
making the payment.
Explanation - For the purposes of this section, -
a. where mortgaged land is in the possession
of the mortgagee, the receipt of the rent of produce of such land be deemed to
be a payment;
20. Effect of acknowledgment or payment by
another person -
(2) Nothing in the said sections renders one of several joint
contractors, partners, executors or mortgagees chargeable by reason only of a
written acknowledgment signed by, or of a payment made by, or by the agent of,
any other or others of them.
(3) For the purposes of the said sections, -
a. an acknowledgment signed or a payment made in respect of any liability by, or by the duly Authorized agent of, any limited owner of property who is governed by Hindu Law, shall be a valid acknowledgment or payment, as the case may be, against a reversionary succeeding to such liability; and where a liability has been incurred by, or on behalf of a Hindu undivided family as such, an acknowledgment or payment made by, or by the duly Authorized agent or, the manager of the family for the time being shall be deemed to have been made on behalf of the whole family.
21. Effect of substituting or adding new plaintiff or
defendant –
(1) Where after the institution of a suit, a new plaintiff or
defendant is substituted or added, the suit shall, as regards him, be deemed to
have been instituted when he was made a party:
Provided that were the court is satisfied that the
omission to include a new plaintiff or defendant was due to a mistake in good
faith it may direct that the suit as regards such plaintiff or defendant shall
be deemed to have been instituted on any earlier date.
(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall apply to a case where a party is added or substituted owing to assignment or devolution of any interest during the tendency of a suit or where a plaintiff is made a defendant or a defendant is made a plaintiff
22. Continuing breaches and torts –
In the case of a continuing breach of contract or in the case of a continuing tort, a fresh period of limitation beings to run at every moment of the time during the breach or the tort, as the case may be, continues.
23. Suits for compensation for acts not actionable without
special damage –
In the case of suit for compensation for an act which does not give rise to a cause of action unless some specific injury actually results there from, the period of limitation shall be computed from the time when the injury results.
24. Computation of time mentioned in instrument –
All instruments shall for purposes of this Act, be deemed to be made with reference to the Gregorian calendar.
25. Acquisition of easement by prescription –
(1) Where the access and use of light or air to and for any
building have been peaceable enjoyed there with as an easement, and as of
right, without interruption and for twenty years, and where any way or
watercourse or the use of any water or any other easement (whether affirmative
or negative) has been peaceably and openly enjoyed by any person claiming title
thereto as an easement and as of right without interruption and for twenty
years, the right to such access and use of light or air, way, watercourse, use
of other easement shall be absolute and indefeasible.
(2) Each of the said periods of twenty years shall be taken to
be a period ending within two years next before the institution of the suit
wherein claim to which such period relates is contested.
(3) Where property over which a right is claimed under
sub-section (1) belongs to the Government that sub-section shall be read as if
for the words "twenty years" the words "thirty years" were
substituted.
Explanation - Nothing is an interruption within the meaning of the section, unless where there is an actual discontinuance of the possession or enjoyment by reason of an obstruction by the act of some person other than the claimant and unless such obstruction is submitted to or acquiesced in for one year after the claimant has notice thereof and of the person making or authorizing the same to be made.
26. Exclusion in favor of reversionary of servant tenement –
Where any land or water upon, over or from, which any easement has been enjoyed or derived has been held under or by virtue of any interest for life or in terms of years exceeding three years from the granting thereof the time of the enjoyment of such easement during the continuance of such interest or term shall be excluded in the computation of the period of twenty years in case the claim is, within three years next after the determination of such interest or term, resisted by the person entitled on such determination to the said land or water.
27. Extinguishment of right to property –
At the determination of the period hereby limited to any person for instituting a suit for possession of any property, his right to such property shall be extinguished.
28. Amendment of certain Acts
Repeal - Rep. By the Repealing and Amending Act, 1974 (56 of 1974), Section 2 and Schedule I.
29. Savings –
(1) Nothing in this Act, shall affect section 25 of the Indian
Contract Act,1872.
(2) Where any special or local law prescribes for any suit,
appeal or application a period of limitation different from the period
prescribed by the Schedule, the provisions of section 3 shall apply as if such
period were the period prescribed by the Schedule and for the purpose of
determining any period of limitation prescribed for any sit, appeal or
application by any special or local law, the provisions contained in section 5
to 24 (inclusive shall apply only in so far, as and to the extent to which,
they are not expressly excluded by such special or local law.
(3) Save as otherwise provided in any law for the time being in
force with respect to marriage and divorce, nothing in this Act shall apply to
any suit or other proceeding under any such law.
(4) Sections 25 and 26 and the definition of "easement" in section 2 shall not apply to cases arising in the territories to which the Indian Easements Act,1882 may for the time being extend
30. Provision for suits, etc., for which the prescribed
period is shorter than the period prescribed by the Indian Limitation Act,1908
–
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act,
(a) any suit for which the period of limitation is shorter than
the period of limitation prescribed by the Indian Limitation Act,1908, may be
instituted within a period of (Note: Substituted for the words "five
years" by Act No.10 of 1969) (Seven years) next after the commencement
of this Act or within the period prescribed for such suit by the Indian
Limitation Act,1908, whichever period expires earlier;
(Note: Substituted for the Words "five years" by
Act No.10 of 1969)
[Provided that if in respect of any such suit, the said
period of seven years expires earlier than the period of limitation prescribed
therefor under the Indian Limitation Act,1908 and the said period of seven
years together with so much of the period of limitation in repeat of such suit
under the Indian Limitation Act,1908, as has already expired before the
commencement of this Act is shorter than the period prescribed for such suit
under this Act, then, the suit may be instituted within the period of
limitation prescribed therefor under this Act].
(b) any appeal or application for which the period of limitation is shorter than the period of limitation prescribed by the Indian Limitation Act, 1908 may be preferred or made within a period of ninety days next after the commencement of this Act or within the period prescribed for such appeal or application by the Indian Limitation Act,1908, whichever period expires earlier.
31. Provision as to barred or pending suits, etc. –
Nothing in this Act shall,
(a) enable any suit, appeal or application to be instituted,
preferred or made for which the period of limitation prescribed by the Indian
Limitation Act,1908, expired before the commencement of this Act; or
(b) affect any suit, appeal or application instituted, preferred or made before, and pending at, such commencement.
32. Repeal –
Rep. By the Repealing and Amending Act,1974 (56 of 1974), section 2 and Schedule I.
PART I - Suits Relating to Accounts |
|||
SL.NO. |
DESCRIPTION OF SUIT |
PERIOD OF LIMITATION |
TIME FROM WHICH
PEROID BEGINS TO RUN |
1. |
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.
|
2. |
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. |
3. |
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. |
4. |
Other suits by principals against agents for |
Three years |
When the neglect or misconduct becomes known to the plaintiff.
|
5. |
For an account and a share of the profits of dissolved
partnership |
Three years |
The date of the dissolution. |
PART II - Suits relating to Contracts |
|||
SL.NO. |
DESCRIPTION OF SUIT |
PERIOD OF LIMITATION |
TIME FROM WHICH PEROID BEGINS TO RUN |
6. |
For a seaman's wages |
Three years |
The end of the voyage during which the wages are earned. |
7. |
For wages in the case of any other person. |
Three years |
When the wages accrue due. |
8. |
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 |
9. |
For the price of lodging |
Three years |
When the price becomes payable . |
10. |
Against a carrier for compensation for non-delivery of or
delay in delivering goods. |
Three years |
When the loss or injury occurs. |
11. |
Against a carrier for compensation for losing or injuring
goods. |
Three years |
When the goods ought to be delivered. |
12. |
For the hire of animals, vehicles, boats or household
furniture. |
Three years |
When the hire becomes payable. |
13. |
For the balance of money advance in payment of goods to be
delivered. |
Three years |
When the goods ought to be delivered. |
14. |
For the price of goods sold and delivered when no fixed period
of credit is agreed upon. |
Three years |
The date of delivery of the goods. |
15. |
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. |
16. |
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. |
17. |
For the price of trees or growing crops sold by the plaintiff
to the defendant where not fixed period of credit is agreed upon. |
Three years |
The date of the sale. |
18. |
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. |
19. |
For money payable for money lent. |
Three years |
When the loan is made. |
20. |
Like suit when the lender has given a cheque for the money. |
Three years |
When the cheque is paid. |
21. |
For money lent under an agreement that it shall be payable on
demand. |
Three years |
When the loan is made. |
22. |
For money deposited under an agreement that it shall be
payable on demanded, including money of a customer in the hands of his banker
so payable. |
Three years |
When the demand is made. |
23. |
For money payable by the defendant to he plaintiff for money
received by the defendant, for the plaintiff's use. |
Three years |
When the money is paid. |
24. |
For money payable to the plaintiff for money paid for the
defendant. |
Three years |
When the money is received. |
25. |
For money payable for interest upon money due from the
defendant to the plaintiff. |
Three years |
When the interest becomes due. |
26. |
For money payable to the plaintiff for money found to be due
from the fedendant 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 Authorized in this behalf, unless where the debt is, by a
simultaneous agreement in writing signed as aforesaid made payment at a
future time, and then when that time arrives. |
27. |
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. |
28. |
On a single bond where a day is specified for payment |
Three years |
The day so specified. |
29. |
On a single bond, where no such day is specified. |
Three years |
The date of executing the bond. |
30. |
On a bond subject to a condition |
Three years |
When the condition is broken. |
31. |
On a bill of exchange or promissory-note payable at a fixed
time after date. |
Three years |
When the bill or note falls due. |
32. |
On a bill of exchange payable at sight, or after sight but not
at a fixed time. |
Three years |
When the bill is presented. |
33. |
On a bill of exchange accepted payable at a particular place. |
Three years |
When the bill is presented at that place. |
34. |
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. |
35. |
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. |
36. |
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. |
37. |
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. |
38. |
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. |
39. |
On a dishonored foreign bill where protest have been made and
notice given. |
Three years |
When the notice is given. |
40. |
By the payee against the drawer of a bill of exchange, which
has been dishonored by non-acceptance. |
Three years |
The date of refusal to accept. |
41. |
By the acceptor of an accommodation-bill against the drawer. |
Three years |
When the acceptor pays. |
42. |
By a surety against the principal debtor. |
Three years |
When the surety pays the creditor. |
43. |
By a survey against a crusty. |
Three years |
When the surety pays anything in excess of his own share. |
44. (a) |
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. |
44. (b) |
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. |
45. |
By the assured to recover preemie paid under a policy violable
at the election of the insurers. |
Three years |
When the insurers elect to avoid the policy. |
46. |
Under the Indian Succession Act,1925 (39 of 1925), section 360
of Sec. 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. |
47. |
For money paid upon on existing consideration which afterwards
fails. |
Three years |
The date of failure. |
48. |
For contribution by a party who has paid the whole or more then
his share of the amount due under a joined 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. |
49. |
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. |
50. |
By the manager of joint estate of an undivided family for
contribution, in respect of payment made by him on account of the estate. |
Three years |
The date of the payment. |
51. |
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. |
52. |
For arrears of rent. |
Three years |
When the arrears become due. |
53. |
By a vendor of immovable property for personal payment of up-paid
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. |
54. |
For specific performance of a contract. |
Three years |
The date of fixed for the performance, or, if no such date is
fixed, when the plaintiff has notice that performance is refused. |
55. |
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. |
PART III-Suits relating to Declarations |
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56. |
To declare the forgery of an instrument issued or registered. |
Three years |
When the issue or registration becomes known to the plaintiff.
|
57. |
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. |
58. |
To obtain any other declaration. |
Three years |
When the right to sue first accrues. |
PART IV - Suits relating to decrees and instruments |
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59. |
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 becomes
known to him. |
60. |
To set aside a transfer of property made by the guardian of a
ward |
|
|
(a) |
By the ward who has attained majority; |
Three years |
When the ward attains majority. |
(b) |
By the ward's legal representative |
Three years |
|
|
i. When the ward dies within three years from the
date of attaining majority; |
|
When the ward attains majority. |
|
When the ward dies before attaining majority |
Three years |
When the ward dies. |
61. |
By a mortgagor - |
|
|
|
(a) to redeem or recover, possession of immovable property
mortgaged; |
Thrity years |
When the right to redeem or to recover possession accrues. |
|
(b) 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
plaintiff. |
|
(c) to recover surplus collection received by the mortgagee
after the mortgage has been satisfied. |
Three years |
When the mortgagor reenters on the mortgaged property. |
PART V - Suits relating to Immovable Property |
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62. |
To enforce payment of money secured by a mortgage or otherwise
charged upon immovable property. |
Twelve years |
When the money sued for becomes due. |
63. |
By a mortgage |
|
|
|
(a) for foreclosure; |
Thirty years |
When the money secured by the mortgage becomes due. |
|
(b) for possession of immovable property mortgaged. |
Twelve years |
When the mortgagee becomes entitled to possession. |
64. |
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. |
65. |
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. |
Explanation - for the purposes of this article - |
|
|
|
|
(a) Where the suit is by a remainder-man, a reversionary
(other than a landlord); or a devisee the possession of the defendant shall
be deemed to become adverse only when the estate of the remainder man,
reversionary or devisee, as the case may be falls into possession; |
||
|
(b) Where the suit is by a Hindu or Muslim entitled to the
possession of immovable property on the death of a Hindu or Muslim female the
possession of the defendant shall be deemed to become adverse only when the
female dies. |
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|
(c) Where the suit is by a purchaser at a sale in execution of
a decree when the judgment-debtor was out of possession at the date of the
sale, the purchaser shall be deemed to be a representative of the
judgment-debtor who was out of possession. |
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66. |
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. |
67. |
By a landlord to recover possession from a tenant. |
Twelve years |
When the tenancy is determined. |
PART VI - Suits relating to movable property |
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68. |
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. |
69. |
For other specific movable property. |
Three years |
When the property is wrongfully taken. |
70. |
To recover movable property deposited or pawned from a
depositary or pawnee. |
Three years |
The date of refusal after demand. |
71. |
To recover movable property deposited or pawned, and
afterwards brought from the deposited or pawned, and afterwards brought from
the depositary or pawnee for a valuable consideration. |
Three years |
When the sale becomes known to the plaintiff. |
PART VII - Suits relating to torts |
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72. |
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 |
When the act or omission takes place. |
73. |
For compensations for false imprisonment. |
One year |
When the imprisonment ends. |
74. |
For compensation for malicious prosecution. |
One year |
When the plaintiff is acquitted or the prosecution is
otherwise terminated. |
75. |
For compensation for libel. |
One year |
When the libel is published. |
76. |
For compensation for slander. |
One year |
When the words are spoken or if the words are not actionable
in themselves, when the special damage complained of results. |
77. |
For compensation for loss of service occasioned by the
seduction of the plaintiff's servant or daughter. |
One year |
When the loss occurs. |
78. |
For compensation for inducing a person to break a contract
with the plaintiff. |
One year |
The date of the breach. |
79. |
For compensation for anillegal, irregular or excessive
distress. |
One year |
The date of the distress. |
80. |
For compensation for wrongful seizure or movable property
under legal process. |
One year |
The date of the seizure. |
81. |
By executors, administrators or representatives under the
Legal Representatives Suits Act,1855. |
One year |
The date of the death of the person wronged. |
82. |
By executors, administrators or representatives under the
Indian Fatal Accidents Act,1855. |
Two years |
The date of the death of the person killed. |
83. |
Under the Legal Representative Suits Act,1855 against an
executor, and administrator or any other representative. |
Two years |
When the wrong complained of is done. |
84. |
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. |
85. |
For compensation for obstructing a way or a water course. |
Three years |
The date of the obstruction. |
86. |
For compensation for diverting a water course. |
Three years |
The date of the diversion. |
87. |
For compensation for trespass upon immovable property. |
Three years |
The date of the trespass. |
88. |
For compensation for infringing copyright or any other
exclusive privilege. |
Three years |
The date of the infringement. |
89. |
To restrain waste. |
Three years |
When the waste begins. |
90. |
For compensation for injury caused by an injunction wrongfully
obtained. |
Three years |
When the injunction ceases. |
91. |
For compensation - |
|
|
|
(a) 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. |
|
(b) 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
detainee's possession becomes unlawful. |
PART VIII - Suits relating to trust and trust property |
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92. |
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. |
93. |
To recover possession of immovable 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. |
94. |
To set aside a transfer to 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. |
95. |
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. |
PART IX - Suits relating to miscellaneous matters |
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97. |
To enforce a right of preemption 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 instruments of sale is registered. |
98. |
By a person against whom an order referred to R.63 or rule 103
of Order XXI of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 or an order under section
28 of the Presidency Small Cause Courts Act,1882 has been made, to establish
the right which he claims o the property comprised in the order. |
One year |
The date of the final order. |
99. |
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. |
100. |
To alter or set aside any decision r order of a civil court
any proceeding other than a suit of 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. |
101. |
Upon a judgment including a foreign judgment, or a
recognizance. |
Three years |
The date of the judgment or recognizance. |
102. |
For property which the plaintiff has conveyed while insane. |
Three years |
When the plaintiff is restored to sanity and has knowledge of
the conveyance. |
103. |
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. |
104. |
To establish a periodically recurring right. |
Three years |
When the plaintiff is first refused the enjoyment for the
right. |
105. |
By a Hindu for arrears of maintenance. |
Three years |
When the arrears are payable. |
106. |
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 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. |
107. |
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. |
108. |
Suit during the life of a Hindu r 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. |
109. |
By Hindu governed by Mitakshara Law to set aside his father's
alienation or ancestral property. |
Twelve years |
When the Aileen takes possession of the property. |
110. |
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. |
111. |
By or on behalf of 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. |
112. |
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. |
PART X - Suits for which there is no prescribed period |
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113. |
Any suit for which no period of limitation is provided
elsewhere in this Schedule. |
Three years |
When the right to sue accrues. |
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