Time limits in a criminal complaint matter

Each period below is counted from a date particular to the matter, so no date is stated in this guide. This sets out which provision fixes each period, how long it runs, and the event it is counted from.

Criminal limitation — six months (fine-only offence)

Section 514 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (formerly Section 468 CrPC) bars a court from taking cognizance of an offence punishable with fine only after six months from the date of the offence, subject to condonation under Section 519 BNSS.

Counted from: On what date did the problem first arise?

Criminal limitation — one year

Section 514 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (formerly Section 468 CrPC) bars cognizance of an offence punishable with imprisonment of up to one year after one year from the date of the offence, subject to condonation under Section 519 BNSS.

Counted from: On what date did the problem first arise?

Criminal limitation — three years

Section 514 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (formerly Section 468 CrPC) bars cognizance of an offence punishable with imprisonment of more than one year and up to three years after three years from the date of the offence, subject to condonation under Section 519 BNSS.

Counted from: On what date did the problem first arise?

Whether a period has begun, and when it ends

Each period above runs from an event, and the date of that event is a fact about one matter rather than something this guide can state. Whether a period has begun, whether it has ended, and whether anything stops or extends it are questions an advocate answers on the papers in a particular case.

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NyayaMithran is a pre-consultation analyser, not a substitute for an advocate, and nothing on this page is legal advice.