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Civil Procedure

Time limits you should know about

A general reference table of common limitation periods across civil, consumer and commercial matters.

A valid claim can be lost simply because it was filed too late. Section 3 of the Limitation Act, 1963 requires a court to dismiss a time-barred suit, even if the other side does not raise the point. Periods can start at different times depending on the facts, so treat this table as a starting point.

MatterGeneral periodSource
Most contract and money claims3 yearsLimitation Act
Specific performance3 yearsLimitation Act, Article 54
Possession based on title12 yearsLimitation Act, Article 65
Possession after recent dispossession6 monthsSpecific Relief Act, Section 6
Consumer complaint2 yearsConsumer Protection Act, Section 69
Cheque demand notice30 daysNI Act, Section 138
SARFAESI application45 daysSARFAESI Act, Section 17
Challenge to arbitral award3 months + up to 30 daysArbitration Act, Section 34
Workplace harassment complaint3 months, extendable by 3 months2013 Act, Section 9

Can delay be excused?

Sometimes. Section 5 of the Limitation Act allows a court to admit an appeal or certain applications filed late if there is sufficient cause, but it does not apply to suits. Other statutes have their own rules, and some allow only a limited extension.

General information as of 5 November 2026. It is not legal advice, and you should confirm the current law for your situation.

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