Bar to taking cognizance after lapse of period of limitation.

What this section does

No court shall take cognizance of certain categories of offences after the expiry of the prescribed period of limitation: six months for offences punishable with fine only, one year for offences punishable with imprisonment up to one year, and three years for offences punishable with imprisonment exceeding one year but not exceeding three years. For offences triable together, the limitation period is determined by reference to the most severely punishable offence. The relevant date for computing limitation is the date of filing a complaint under section 223 or the date of recording information under section 173.

AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).

Procedure at a glance

Key actors

Court · Complainant · Police officer

Time limit

6 months (fine only); 1 year (imprisonment up to 1 year); 3 years (imprisonment exceeding 1 year but not exceeding 3 years)

Derived from CrPC s.468.