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Introduction

One of the fundamental principles in legal jurisprudence is the maxim “Vigilantibus non dormientibus jura subveniunt” — the law aids the vigilant, not those who sleep over their rights. The Law of Limitation in India is not merely a technicality; it reflects the legislative intent to ensure that disputes are brought before the court within a reasonable time frame. This principle safeguards the interest of society at large by bringing an end to litigation and preventing stale claims.

Purpose of Limitation Law

The object of limitation is clear:-  litigation cannot be allowed to continue indefinitely. As the Supreme Court has repeatedly held, there must be finality in legal proceedings. If a party fails to act within the prescribed period without valid justification, their remedy is barred, even if the right itself subsists.

The Limitation Act, 1963, enshrines this principle and mandates strict adherence to the timelines prescribed for instituting suits, appeals, or applications.

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Section 3 of the Limitation Act: Bar of Limitation

Section 3(1) of the Act provides:

“Every suit instituted, appeal preferred, and application made after the prescribed period shall be dismissed, although limitation has not been set up as a defence.”

This means:Even if the opposite party does not raise the objection of limitation, the court must dismiss such proceedings if they are time-barred.

 Even if the opposite party does not raise the objection of limitation, the court must dismiss such proceedings if they are time-barred.

The provision is mandatory and leaves no discretion with the court to entertain a matter barred by limitation.

In other words, jurisdiction itself is ousted when a matter is filed beyond the limitation period unless duly condoned under applicable provisions.

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Judicial Pronouncements on the Rigour of Limitation Law

1. Basawaraj & Anr. vs Special Land Acquisition Officer (2013)

Supreme Court Civil Appeal No. 6974 of 2013
The Court held:

“It is a settled legal proposition that law of limitation may harshly affect a particular party, but it has to be applied with all its rigour when the statute so prescribes. The court has no power to extend the period of limitation on equitable grounds.”

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2. Mahant Bikram Dass Chela vs Financial Commissioner, Revenue, Punjab (2019)

SLP (C) No. 15848 of 2019
The Supreme Court emphasized:

“A right which has accrued to a party by lapse of time is valuable, and one who is not vigilant about his right must explain every day’s delay.”

: Delay must be explained day-to-day, showing sufficient cause for every lapse.

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3. Pathapati Subba Reddy vs Special Deputy Collector (2018)

SLP (Civil) No. 31248 of 2018
The Supreme Court laid down guiding principles for condonation of delay:-

(i) Law of limitation is based upon public policy that there should be an end to litigation by forfeiting the right to remedy rather than the right itself;

(ii) A right or the remedy that has not been exercised or availed of for a long time must come to an end or cease to exist after a fixed period of time;

(iii) The provisions of the Limitation Act have to be construed differently, such as Section 3 has to be construed in a strict sense whereas Section 5 has to be construed liberally;

(iv) In order to advance substantial justice, though liberal approach, justice-oriented approach or cause of substantial justice may be kept in mind but the same cannot be used to defeat the substantial law of limitation contained in Section 3 of the Limitation Act;

(v) Courts are empowered to exercise discretion to condone the delay if sufficient cause had been explained, but that exercise of power is discretionary in nature and may not be exercised even if sufficient cause is established for various factors such as, where there is inordinate delay, negligence and want of due diligence;

(vi) Merely some persons obtained relief in similar matter, it does not mean that others are also entitled to the same benefit if the court is not satisfied with the cause shown for the delay in filing the appeal;

(vii) Merits of the case are not required to be considered in condoning the delay; and

(viii) Delay condonation application has to be decided on the parameters laid down for condoning the delay and condoning the delay for the reason that the conditions have been imposed, tantamount to disregarding the statutory provision.”

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Condonation of Delay: The Need for Sufficient Cause

While the law allows for condonation of delay under certain circumstances, this relief is not automatic. The applicant must show bona fide reasons for the delay and prove that they acted with due diligence. Mere negligence, inaction, or ignorance of law is insufficient.

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Conclusion

The Law of Limitation is a shield for protecting the legal system from endless litigation and stale claims. While courts may exercise discretion in condoning delays, this power is to be used sparingly and only when the delay is convincingly explained. As the Supreme Court has reiterated, the law aids the vigilant and not those who slumber over their rights.

For litigants, the lesson is clear: timeliness is as important as the merit of the case.

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