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Limitation Period Calculator
How long do you have to bring a claim? Pick the type of matter and the date the cause of action arose. The periods come from the Schedule to the Limitation Act, 1963.
Choose a claim type and a starting date, then press Calculate the deadline. Everything is worked out in your browser; nothing is sent anywhere.
How limitation works
Limitation law fixes how long you have to bring a claim. The Limitation Act, 1963 sets the period for most suits, appeals and applications in its Schedule. Once the period runs out, the remedy is normally barred even though the underlying right may survive (s. 3).
- When the clock starts depends on the type of claim (the third column of the Schedule). When counting, the first day is generally excluded (s. 12).
- Appeals and applications can be filed late if the court is satisfied there was sufficient cause for the delay (s. 5), and the time taken to obtain a certified copy of the decree or order is excluded (s. 12). Section 5 does not apply to suits.
- A fresh period can begin if, before the period expires, the other side gives a written acknowledgement of the liability (s. 18) or makes a part-payment (s. 19).
Periods, governing articles and starting points taken from the Schedule to the Limitation Act, 1963; sections 3, 5, 12, 18 and 19 from the body of the Act (source: India Code, indiacode.nic.in).
- This is a general planning aid, not legal advice, and does not create an advocate-client relationship.
- The starting date is often the real question and turns on the facts. The date shown is based on the standard starting point for that claim; your actual date may differ.
- Special rules can change the period, for example legal disability (s. 6), fraud or mistake (s. 17), acknowledgement (s. 18) and part-payment (s. 19). Confirm the position with an advocate before you rely on any date.
Facing a limitation question? You can contact the firm to discuss your matter.