Limitation Period
The statutory time limit within which a legal action must be brought � claims filed after this period are barred.
Full Definition
The limitation period is the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings must be initiated. The purpose: (1) to prevent stale claims where evidence has been lost; (2) to provide certainty and finality; (3) to incentivise timely assertion of rights. Time begins from when the cause of action arises. Courts can condone delay if there is sufficient cause, but cannot extend limitation beyond what the statute allows.
In Indian Law
The Limitation Act 1963 sets out limitation periods for civil suits. Key periods: suits for contract � 3 years; suits for property � 12 years; appeals to High Court � 90 days. Section 5: courts may condone delay in appeals if sufficient cause is shown. Criminal complaints and FIRs have no statutory limitation under CrPC, but the court may take delay into account. Article 137: petitions to the Supreme Court � 90 days.