The period of limitation for taking cognizance of an offence starts

The ordinary starting point under section 469(1)(a) is the date of the offence. Where commission of the offence was unknown, clause (b) uses first knowledge by the aggrieved person or a police officer, whichever is earlier. Where the offender was unknown, clause (c) uses the corresponding first knowledge of identity. Arrest and surrender are not the general statutory triggers.

Current law: BNSS section 515 preserves the offence-date and alternative knowledge-based commencement rules. Section 514 separately specifies the complaint-filing or information-recording date relevant to computation of the bar.