Limitation periods cheat sheet (Limitation Act 1908)

A missed limitation kills the strongest case. These are the periods that recur in daily practice under the Limitation Act 1908 — always confirm against the Schedule and any special statute overriding it.

Suits

Recovery of money / price of goods sold: 3 years. Contracts, compensation for breach: 3 years. Immovable property (s.42 declaratory): 6 years. Possession of immovable property on title: 12 years. Suits against the government after s.80 CPC notice: 6 months from the notice refusal/expiry where the special period applies. Malicious prosecution: 1 year.

Appeals and reviews

First appeal to District Judge: 30 days; to High Court: 90 days. Second appeal: 90 days. Review: 20 days (court subordinate to High Court), 20 days (High Court). Execution applications: 6 years (art.183), restorable within residual periods.

Condonation under s.5 is available for 'sufficient cause' — but the presumption favours the limitation bar, and courts construe delay strictly. Log every deadline in your case diary; SanadAI's hearing-date workflow keeps limitation dates alongside hearing reminders.