According to Section 2(j) of the Limitation Act, 1963, "period of limitation" refers to:

Under s.2(j) of the Limitation Act, 1963, "period of limitation" means "the period of limitation prescribed for any suit, appeal or application by the Schedule". It is fixed by statute, so neither the court nor the parties can set it, and limits on taking cognizance of offences are in the criminal procedure law.