The short answer
The Limitation Act, 1963 fixes the time within which a suit, appeal or application must be filed. Most suits for money and on contracts must be filed within three years, and suits for possession of immovable property based on title within twelve years. Under Section 3 a court must dismiss a claim filed late even if the defendant does not raise the objection.
- Statute
- Limitation Act, 1963
- Most money and contract suits
- 3 years
- Possession based on title
- 12 years
- Condonation of delay
- Appeals and applications only, not suits
What are the periods for common suits?
| Type of proceeding | Period | Article |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery of money lent | 3 years | 19 |
| Compensation for breach of contract | 3 years | 55 |
| Specific performance of a contract | 3 years | 54 |
| Declaration | 3 years | 58 |
| Possession of immovable property based on title | 12 years | 65 |
| Redemption of a mortgage | 30 years | 61 |
| Suit by the Government | 30 years | 112 |
| Suit with no specific period | 3 years | 113 |
| Appeal to a High Court from a decree | 90 days | 116 |
| Appeal to any other court | 30 days | 116 |
| Setting aside an ex parte decree | 30 days | 123 |
| Execution of a decree | 12 years | 136 |
The starting point differs from article to article. For specific performance, for example, time runs from the date fixed for performance, or if no date is fixed, from when the plaintiff has notice that performance is refused.
Can a court excuse delay?
Section 5 allows a court to admit an appeal or an application after the prescribed period if the applicant shows sufficient cause for the delay. It does not apply to suits. A suit filed after limitation fails unless one of the exclusions in the Act applies.
What extends or restarts the period?
- Acknowledgment (Section 18): a signed written acknowledgment of liability made before the period expires starts a fresh period from its date.
- Part payment (Section 19): payment of part of a debt or interest before expiry has the same effect, if recorded in writing.
- Legal disability (Section 6): a minor or a person of unsound mind may sue after the disability ends.
- Time spent in the wrong court (Section 14): time spent pursuing the claim in good faith in a court without jurisdiction is excluded.
Why does a legal notice not stop the clock?
Sending a notice or negotiating does not extend limitation. Only the events recognised by the Act do. Where a claim is close to its deadline, the suit is filed first and settlement is pursued alongside it.
Sources
- Limitation Act, 1963, Sections 3, 5, 6, 14, 18 and 19 and the Schedule
This guide states the general legal position in India as on 14 November 2026. It is not legal advice. Time limits and outcomes depend on the facts and on later amendments and judgments. See the disclaimer, and read more on the firm's Civil Litigation practice.