Statutory Limitation & Deadline Calculator
Determine exact statutory limitation periods, appeal windows, and filing deadlines across civil, commercial, criminal, consumer, and cheque bounce disputes in India.
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Statutory Limitation Assessment
Quick Statutory Limitation Reference Table
| Nature of Legal Proceeding | Statutory Limitation | Relevant Statute / Article | Condonation of Delay (Sec 5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheque Bounce Legal Notice | 30 Days from Cheque Dishonour Memo | Section 138(b) NI Act 1881 | Strict — No Extension |
| Cheque Bounce Complaint | 30 Days from Expiry of 15-Day Notice | Section 142(1)(b) NI Act 1881 | Condonable on Sufficient Cause |
| Arbitration Challenge (Sec 34) | 3 Months (90 Days) from Award Receipt | Section 34(3) Arbitration Act 1996 | Strict 30-Day Cap Only |
| Money Recovery / Commercial Debt | 3 Years from Date Amount Becomes Due | Article 14 & 15 Limitation Act 1963 | Sec 5 Inapplicable to Original Suits |
| Specific Performance of Contract | 3 Years from Date Fixed for Performance | Article 54 Limitation Act 1963 | Strict 3-Year Bar |
| Consumer Complaint (CPA 2019) | 2 Years from Date of Cause of Action | Section 69 Consumer Protection Act 2019 | Condonable on Reasonable Cause |
| MACT Motor Accident Claim | 6 Months from Date of Road Accident | Section 166(3) Motor Vehicles Act 2019 | Strict 6-Month Mandate |
| Civil First Appeal to District Court | 30 Days from Date of Decree/Judgment | Article 116(b) Limitation Act 1963 | Condonable under Section 5 |
| Civil Appeal to High Court | 90 Days from Date of Decree/Order | Article 116(a) Limitation Act 1963 | Condonable under Section 5 |
| Execution of Civil Decree | 12 Years from Date Decree Becomes Enforceable | Article 136 Limitation Act 1963 | Strict 12-Year Bar |
Condonation of Delay under Section 5, Limitation Act, 1963
1. Can delay in filing an original civil suit be condoned under Section 5?
Strict Statutory Rule: NO. Section 5 of the Limitation Act applies strictly to Appeals and Applications (such as review, revision, or execution petitions). Section 5 specifically and categorically excludes original Suits.
Under Section 3 of the Limitation Act, the court has a mandatory obligation to dismiss any original civil suit instituted after the prescribed period of limitation, even if the defendant does not raise limitation as a defence.
2. What constitutes "Sufficient Cause" for condonation of delay in Appeals?
The landmark Supreme Court bench in Collector, Land Acquisition, Anantnag v. Mst. Katiji (1987) 2 SCC 107 held that courts must adopt a liberal, justice-oriented approach rather than a pedantic one when construing "sufficient cause":
- Ordinarily, a litigant does not stand to benefit by lodging an appeal late.
- Refusing to condone delay can result in a meritorious matter being thrown out at the very threshold, defeating justice.
- "Every day's delay must be explained" does not mean a pedantic, hour-by-hour account; the explanation must establish bona fide intent without culpable negligence or deliberate inaction.
3. What documentary proof is required for a Section 5 Condonation Application?
An application under Section 5 must be accompanied by a Sworn Affidavit of the Appellant/Applicant detailing:
- Certified medical treatment records or hospital discharge summaries (in cases of debilitating illness).
- Proof of non-communication or certified copy application slips under Section 12 (time requisite for obtaining certified copies of judgment/decree is excluded).
- Specific dates explaining the chronological sequence from the date of the impugned order to actual filing.