The period of limitation prescribed for taking cognizance of the offence punishable with imprisonment…

For an offence whose maximum prescribed imprisonment is three years, section 468(2)(c) specifies three years' limitation. That clause covers a term exceeding one year but not exceeding three years; fine-only offences and offences with a maximum of one year fall into different categories. Exclusion, extension and other statutory qualifications remain applicable.

Current law: BNSS section 514(2)(c) retains the same three-year band; subsection (4) expressly anchors computation to filing the complaint or recording information under section 173. BNSS 531 preserves pending CrPC proceedings after 1 July 2024.