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. (3)[ For the purposes of this section, the period^ⓘ of limitation^ⓘ, in relation to offences which may be tried together, shall be determined with reference to the offence which is punishable with the more severe punishment or, as the case may be, the most severe punishment.] [Inserted by Act of 1978, Section 33 (w.e.f. 18-12-1978).]