Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1973
468.Bar to taking cognizance after lapse of the period of
limitation.-
(1) Except as otherwise provided elsewhere in this Code, no
Court shall take cognizance of an offence of the category specified in
sub-section (2), after the expiry of the period of limitation.
(2) The period of limitation shall be -
(a) six months, if the offence is punishable
with fine only;
(b) one year, if the offence is punishable
with imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year;
(c) three years, if the offence is punishable
with imprisonment for a term exceeding one year but not exceeding three years.