For the purpose of taking cognizance of an offence, what period of limitation is prescribed for an…

For an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, section 468(2)(b) sets a one-year limitation period. A fine-only offence instead has six months under clause (a), and imprisonment exceeding one year but not exceeding three years has three years under clause (c). The statute supplies the period; commencement, exclusions and extension must be considered under the accompanying provisions.

Current law: From 1 July 2024, the corresponding provision for proceedings governed by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 is section 514(2). The same three principal periods are retained. Section 531 saves the specified pending proceedings under the earlier Code.