Section 513 BNSS 2023: Definition of Period of Limitation
Section 513 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 defines the expression "period of limitation" for Chapter XXXVIII, which deals with limitation for taking cognizance of certain offences.
Current legal status: The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (Act No. 46 of 2023) came into force on 1 July 2024, subject to the notified exception concerning the entry relating to Section 106(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 in the First Schedule.
Text of Section 513 - Definitions
Section 513.
For the purposes of this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, "period of limitation" means the period specified in section 514 for taking cognizance of an offence.
Meaning of Section 513 BNSS
Section 513 is a definition provision. It does not itself prescribe a separate limitation period. Instead, it directs the reader to Section 514 BNSS, which specifies the limitation periods applicable to the categories of offences covered by that provision.
In practical terms, when Chapter XXXVIII uses the expression "period of limitation", the period has to be identified by applying Section 514. The definition therefore operates together with Sections 514 to 519, which address the bar on cognizance, commencement and computation of limitation, continuing offences, and extension of time.
Key point: Section 513 defines the expression; Section 514 supplies the actual limitation periods.
Periods referred to in Section 514 BNSS
Section 514 provides the following basic limitation periods for the specified categories of offences:
| Category of offence | Period of limitation |
|---|---|
| Offence punishable with fine only | Six months |
| Offence punishable with imprisonment not exceeding one year | One year |
| Offence punishable with imprisonment exceeding one year but not exceeding three years | Three years |
Section 514 also contains rules for offences that may be tried together and an explanation relating to the relevant date for computing limitation. For the full statutory wording, read Section 514 BNSS - Bar to taking cognizance after lapse of period of limitation.
Chapter XXXVIII: Limitation for Taking Cognizance
Section 513 appears in Chapter XXXVIII of the BNSS. The neighboring provisions form a connected scheme for determining whether cognizance is within time and how the period is calculated.
- Section 514 - Bar to taking cognizance after lapse of period of limitation
- Section 515 - Commencement of period of limitation
- Section 516 - Exclusion of time in certain cases
- Section 517 - Exclusion of date on which Court is closed
- Section 518 - Continuing offence
- Section 519 - Extension of period of limitation in certain cases
Corresponding provision under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
Section 513 BNSS corresponds in subject matter to Section 467 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, which was also the definition provision in the chapter dealing with limitation for taking cognizance of certain offences. The BNSS now governs criminal procedure from its commencement, subject to applicable savings and transitional provisions.
Official legal references
For authoritative statutory text and commencement information, consult the official Government of India sources linked in the sidebar, including India Code and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Last reviewed: 12 September 2026.