Supreme Court of India
ROMA AHUJAversusTHE STATE AND ANOTHER
- Citation
- 2026 INSC 336
- Decided
- 9 April 2026
- Disposal
- Appeal(s) allowed
Holding
For the purpose of computing the limitation period under Section 468 of the Cr.PC, the relevant date is the filing of the complaint or the initiation of criminal proceedings, not the date of taking cognizance.
Summary
The appellant Roma Ahuja filed an FIR (No. 121 of 2011) alleging offences of voluntarily causing hurt and assault under Sections 323 and 341 IPC, read with Section 34. The High Court of Delhi quashed the FIR on the ground that the charge‑sheet was filed after the one‑year limitation period prescribed under Section 468 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.PC). The Supreme Court was asked to determine whether the limitation period should be computed from the date the complaint/FIR was filed or from the date the magistrate took cognizance. Relying on the Constitution Bench judgment in Sarah Mathew v. Institute of Cardio Vascular Diseases, the Court held that the relevant date is the filing of the complaint, i.e., the initiation of criminal proceedings, not the date of taking cognizance. Consequently, the High Court’s order quashing the FIR was set aside and the appeals were allowed, directing the trial to proceed. The judgment also emphasized the professional duty of advocates to respect binding precedents.
Issues considered
- The appropriate date for computing the limitation period under Section 468 Cr.PC – whether it is the date of filing the complaint/FIR or the date of taking cognizance by the court or magistrate.
Legislation cited
- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973s. 173, s. 190, s. 2(d), s. 2(r), s. 468, s. 469, s. 470, s. 471, s. 472, s. 473
- Indian Penal Code, 1860s. 323, s. 34, s. 341
Headnote
Issue for Consideration What would be the relevant date for computation of the period of limitation, whether it is the date when the criminal complaint is filed or the date when the Court/Magistrate takes cognizance. Headnotes† Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 – s.468 – Penal – Bar to taking cognizance after lapse of the period of limitation – High Court quashed the FIR on the ground of limitation holding that the date of taking cognizance by the Magistrate is relevant and as cognizance was taken after a period of one year, the bar of limitation u/s.468
Subjects
Section 468Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973Bar to taking cognizance after lapse of the period of limitationFIR quashed on the ground of limitationComputing point of limitation for the purpose of Section 468Date of filing complaintDate of initiation of criminal proceedingsConstitution Bench judgmentSarah Mathew caseLaw of precedentProfessional ethicsAdvocatesLegal maxims
Judgment
[2026] 4 S.C.R. 459 : 2026 INSC 336
Roma Ahuja
v.
The State and Another
(Criminal Appeal No(s). 1831-1832 of 2026)
09 April 2026
[Prashant Kumar Mishra and N.V. Anjaria,* JJ.]
Issue for Consideration
What would be the relevant date for computation of the period
of limitation, whether it is the date when the criminal complaint
is filed or the date when the Court/Magistrate takes cognizance.
Headnotes†
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 – s.468 – Penal Code, 1860 –
ss.323, 341 r/w. s.34 – Bar to taking cognizance after lapse of
the period of limitation – High Court quashed the FIR on the
ground of limitation holding that the date of taking cognizance
by the Magistrate is relevant and as cognizance was taken
after a period of one year, the bar of limitation u/s.468 was
attracted – Respondent inter alia contended that the principle
laid down in Constitution Bench judgment in Sarah Mathew
will not apply as it was a case where the complaint was filed
before the Magistrate, whereas in the instant case, the FIR
was filed and subsequently, the Magistrate took cognizance:
Held: Rejected – Whether the limitation period would be reckoned
from the date of filing of the complaint or from the date of taking
cognizance, is no longer res integra in view of the Constitution
Bench judgment in Sarah Mathew’s case – The computing point
of limitation for the purpose of s.468 is held to be the date of filing
complaint- the date of initiation of criminal proceedings – Whether
the case belongs to one instituted before the Magistrate u/s.173 or
it is upon a complaint filed before the police, what matters is the
date of initiation of criminal proceedings – Criminal proceedings
can be said to have been initiated in both categories of complaint
when the complaint is filed before the Magistrate or FIR is lodged
before the police, as the case may be – It remains a complaint
made either to the Magistrate or to the police to become the starting
* Author
460 [2026] 4 S.C.R.
Supreme Court Reports
point of initiation of criminal proceedings – The relevant date as
held by Sarah Mathew would be the date of filing of complaint or,
differently stated, the date of initiation of criminal proceedings – As
Courts are bound by the law of precedent and to follow the law
laid down in the binding judgment of the Constitution Bench, the
lawyers are also expected to respect the strong-operated precedent
emanating from a judgment holding the field unless exceptional
grounds exist to distinguish the decision are available – Merely for
the purpose of demonstrating the argumentative skill, the lawyers
ought not to eat up the valuable public time of the court by making
the submissions, which are worthless against binding precedent –
High Court erred in quashing the FIR on the ground of limitation,
taking an erroneous view that the date of taking cognizance by
the Magistrate is relevant – As held by the Constitution Bench
in Sarah Mathew, the relevant date for the purpose of reckoning
the limitation u/s.468 is the date of filing of complaint or the date
of initiation of criminal proceedings – Impugned order set aside –
Professional Ethics. [Paras 5.2.5, 7.2, 8.1, 10, 11]
Professional Ethics – Advocates – Respecting the binding
precedents and conceding their applicability in a case, duty
of advocates:
Held: As disclosure of honest and full facts before the Court is part
of the fair conduct on the part of lawyers, respecting the binding
precedence of the judgments and conceding its applicability in a
case is also a duty in fairness to be discharged by the advocates in
conducting their case – They are part of the system of administration
of justice and are not expected to breach the rules of the game to
argue against settled principles or contrary to well settled law, just
for the sake of doing it – Giving up an argument where a point of
law is already decided is a professional virtue – It is part of ethics
in professional conduct before the Court. [Para 8]
Legal maxims – Importance in the interpretational process:
Held: Legal maxims which trace their origin and birth in the
experience of the older times and emerge in the progress of
civilization, blend reasonableness, wisdom, truthfulness and
objectivity, to be much useful in developing the legal concepts out of
the codified law and in interpreting the statutory provisions – They
play role of enriching the interpretational contents and adding to
the jurisprudential stuff. [Para 5.6]
[2026] 4 S.C.R. 461
Roma Ahuja v. The State and Another
Case Law Cited
Sarah Mathew v. Institute of Cardio Vascular Diseases by its
Director Dr. K.M. Cherian and Others [2013] 12 SCR 674 : (2014)
2 SCC 62 – followed.
Bharat Damodar Kale and Another v. State of A.P. (2003) 8 SCC
559; Japani Sahoo v. Chandra Sekhar Mohanty [2007] 8 SCR
582:(2007) 7 SCC 394; Krishna Pillai v. T.A. Rajendran and Another
(1990) Supp. SCC 121; S.K. Sinha, Chief Enforcement Officer v.
Videocon International Ltd. and Others [2008] 2 SCR 36 : (2008)
2 SCC 492; Amritlal v. Shantilal Soni and Others [2022] 1 SCR
721 : (2022) 13 SCC 128 – referred to.
List of Acts
Penal Code, 1860; Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
List of Keywords
Section 468, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973; Bar to taking
cognizance after lapse of the period of limitation; FIR quashed on
the ground of limitation; Computing point of limitation for the purpose
of Section 468, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973; Relevant date
for computation of period of limitation; Date of filing complaint; Date
of initiation of criminal proceedings; Constitution Bench judgment;
Sarah Mathew’s case; Law of precedent; Argumentative skill;
Valuable public time; Binding precedents; Professional Ethics;
Advocates; Legal maxims.
Case Arising From
CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION: Criminal Appeal No(s).
1831-1832 of 2026
From the Judgment and Order dated 30.01.2025 of the High Court
of Delhi at New Delhi in CRLMC No. 1170 of 2017 and CRLMA
No. 7270 of 2016.
Appearances for Parties
Adv. for the Appellant(s):
Ms. Shivani Vij.
Advs. for the Respondent(s):
Rajkumar Bhaskar Thakare, A.S.G., Ms. Anjana Kishore, Sr. Adv.,
Mukesh Kumar Maroria, Rishikesh Haridas, Ms. Seema Bengani,
462 [2026] 4 S.C.R.
Supreme Court Reports
Vevek Gurnani, Arkaj Kumar, Praveen Swarup, Praveen Swarup,
Dr. Ashutosh, Niraj Dubey, Pradum Kumar, Devesh Maurya, Ashish
Kandpal, Sukhamrit Singh.
Judgment / Order of the Supreme Court
Judgment
N.V. Anjaria, J.
Leave granted.
2. These two appeals arise out of common order dated 30.01.2025,
passed by the High Court of Delhi in Crl. M.C. No. 1170 of 2017
and Crl. M.A. No. 7270 of 2016. Thereby the High Court allowed the
petition filed by Respondent No. 2-the accused, under Articles 226
and 227 of the Constitution read with Section 482 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 19731 for quashing the First Information Report2
No. 121 of 2011.
2.1 The said FIR was in respect of the commission of offences
under Sections 323 and 341 read with Section 34 of the
Indian Penal Code, 18603, at P.S. Moti Nagar, lodged by the
appellant-complainant herein. The FIR came to be quashed on
the ground that the charge-sheet was filed on 29.05.2012, which
was after a period of one year and 20 days from the date of
incident and therefore the bar of limitation under Section 468,
Cr.PC, was attracted.
3. The incident, as per the FIR, took place on 09.05.2011, when the
appellant, along with her brother and father, had gone to the court
of the Special Executive Magistrate, Moti Nagar, in connection with
a case filed under Section 107 read with Section 150, Cr.PC at the
behest of the younger sister of the appellant. It was stated that when
the parties stepped out of the gate of court premises, Respondent
No. 2 - the accused named Ashutosh, who was an advocate appearing
for Shweta-sister of the complainant, began abusing and beating
the appellant.
1 Hereinafter, “Cr.PC”.
2 Hereinafter, “FIR”.
3 Hereinafter, “IPC”.
[2026] 4 S.C.R. 463
Roma Ahuja v. The State and Another
3.1 The appellant suffered injuries on her head, right eye, cheek
and shoulder. Respondent No. 2 alleged that he too was beaten
by the appellant and her family. The incident resulted in the
filing of two cross-FIRs. FIR No. 120 of 2011 came to be filed
by the respondent against the appellant. On the same day,
that is, on 09.05.2011, the complaint made by the appellant
against Respondent No. 2 in the form of FIR No. 121 of 2011
was registered at the same P.S. Moti Nagar.
3.2 In FIR No. 121 of 2011, which is the subject matter here, the
offences under Sections 323 and 341, IPC were alleged. The
accused persons were arrested and released on bail. In respect
of FIR No. 120 of 2011, the Investigating Officer filed the charge-
sheet on 13.07.2011. The charge-sheet came to be filed on
29.05.2012 in respect of FIR No. 121 of 2011. Based on the
said FIR No. 121 of 2011, the Court of Metropolitan Magistrate
(West), Delhi4, took cognizance under Section 190(1)(b), Cr.PC
for the offences punishable under Sections 323, 343 and 34 IPC.
3.3 While in respect of FIR No. 120 of 2011, the charges came to be
framed against the appellant, her brother, and her father under
Sections 323 and 343 read with Section 34, IPC, it appears
that on 08.01.2014 and again on 22.09.2014, arguments were
raised on behalf of respondent No.2-accused in respect of FIR
No. 121 of 2011 inter alia that the cognizance of the offences
was taken beyond the period of limitation and, therefore, the
accused was required to be discharged. The trial court did not
accept the same, noting that the cognizance has attained finality
and that the order was not challenged by either of the accused.
The trial court further expressed itself that surprisingly, while the
cross-FIR No. 120 of 2011 arising out of the same incident was
charge-sheeted within limitation, the charge-sheet in respect of
FIR No. 121 of 2011 was belatedly filed and that a party should
not benefit from the negligence of the Investigating Officer.
3.4 Respondent No. 2 herein filed Criminal Revision Petition No.
36 of 2014 before the Court of District & Sessions Judge, Tis
Hazari, Delhi wherein he challenged order dated 22.09.2014,
whereby the Court had issued notices to the accused persons.
4 Hereinafter, “trial court”.
464 [2026] 4 S.C.R.
Supreme Court Reports
On 16.02.2015, the Court of learned Additional Sessions Judge
dismissed the Revision Petition, reasoning that the case involved
cross-FIRs, where the Investigating Officers were different and
that the delay in filing the charge-sheet in FIR No. 121 of 2011
was due to the lackadaisical approach of the Investigating Officer.
3.5 Respondent No. 2 filed application on 07.05.2015 seeking
discharge under Section 258, Cr.PC in respect of FIR No. 121
of 2011, which was dismissed by the Trial Court on 04.04.2016.
Thereafter, Respondent No. 2 filed Writ Petition (Criminal) No.
1407 of 2016, before the High Court of Delhi on 28.04.2016,
praying to quash the FIR No.121 of 2011 and all proceedings
consequential thereto. The prayer of quashing of FIR was based
on the ground of limitation.
3.6 In respect of FIR No. 121 of 2011, charges came to be framed
on 17.12.2016 against Respondent No. 2 and another accused
under Sections 323, 341 and 34, IPC. On 12.01.2017, Writ
Petition (Criminal) No.1407 of 2016 filed by Respondent No.2
before the High Court was renumbered as Crl. M.C. No.1170
of 2017 and Crl. M.A. No.7270 of 2016. The Delhi High Court
allowed the Writ Petition as per the impugned order dated
30.01.2025, taking the view that the bar under Section 468,
Cr.PC is absolute and that the date when the charge-sheet was
filed fell beyond the period of limitation of one year.
4. Heard learned advocate Ms. Shivani Vij for the appellant and learned
Additional Solicitor General Mr. Rajkumar Bhaskar Thakare with
learned advocate on record Mr. Mukesh Kumar Maroria for respondent
No.1-State and learned advocate on record Mr. Praveen Swarup for
respondent No.2, at length.
5. Having noticed the factual sequence, the moot question to be adverted
to is what would be the relevant date for computation of the period
of limitation, whether it is the date when the criminal complaint is
filed or the date when the Court/Magistrate takes cognizance.
5.1 Chapter XXXVI of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
is in respect of provisions relating to ‘Limitation For Taking
Cognizance of Certain Offences’. Section 468, Cr.PC provides
for limitation for taking cognizance of the offences and bars
such cognizance beyond the period of limitation.
[2026] 4 S.C.R. 465
Roma Ahuja v. The State and Another
5.2 Section 468, Cr.PC reads as under,
‘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.’
5.2.1 Section 469, Cr.PC is in respect of commencement of
the period of limitation. It provides that the period of
limitation, in relation to an offence, shall commence (a)
on the date of the offence, or (b) if the commission of
the offence was not known, the first day on which such
offence comes to the knowledge of the person aggrieved
or to any police officer, whichever is earlier, or (c) if it is
unknown as to by whom the offence was committed, the
first day on which the identity of the offender is known
to the aggrieved person or the police officer, whichever
is earlier.
5.2.2 Section 470, Cr.PC deals with the exclusion of time in
certain cases, whereas as per Section 471, the date
on which the Court is closed is to be excluded. Section
472 says that in case of a continuing offence, a fresh
period of limitation shall begin to run at every moment
of the time during which the offence continues. As per
466 [2026] 4 S.C.R.
Supreme Court Reports
Section 473, notwithstanding anything contained in the
other provisions, the court may take cognizance of an
offence after the expiry of the period of limitation if it is
satisfied on the facts and in the circumstances of the
case that the delay has been explained properly.
5.2.3 As per Section 468(2) as above, the period of limitation
will be six months if the offence is punishable with fine
only. The limitation will be one year where the offence is
punishable for a term not exceeding one year. Similarly, in
respect of an offence punishable with imprisonment for a
term exceeding one year but not exceeding three years,
the prescribed period of limitation is three years. As per
sub-section (3) of Section 468, Cr.PC, where the offences
are tried together, the limitation will be determined with
reference to the offence which is punishable with more
severe punishment.
5.2.4 In the present case, the FIR in question, which was held
barred by limitation by the High Court, was in respect of
offences under Sections 323 and 341 read with Section
34 IPC. The offence under Section 323 is the offence
of voluntarily causing hurt. It provides punishment of
imprisonment for a term extending to one year which is
the severest punishment amongst the offences charged
in the FIR. In that view, it attracts Section 468(2)(b),
Cr.PC, for which the period of limitation is provided to
be one year.
5.2.5 Whether the limitation period as above would be reckoned
from the date of filing of the complaint or from the date
of taking cognizance, is no longer res integra in view of
the Constitution Bench judgment of this Court in Sarah
Mathew v. Institute of Cardio Vascular Diseases by
its Director Dr. K.M. Cherian and Others5.
5.3 Prior to the deliverance of the aforementioned Constitution Bench
judgment in Sarah Mathew (supra), there prevailed a conflict
of opinion on the issue. The two-Judge Bench decisions of this
5 (2014) 2 SCC 62
[2026] 4 S.C.R. 467
Roma Ahuja v. The State and Another
Court in Bharat Damodar Kale and Another v. State of A.P.6
and in Japani Sahoo v. Chandra Sekhar Mohanty7, held that
the date of filing of the complaint is the relevant date for the
purpose of computation of the period of limitation. A previous
decision in Krishna Pillai v. T.A. Rajendran and Another8, a
judgment of a three-Judge Bench, had taken a view that the
date of taking cognizance by the Court is the material date
relevant for the purpose of reckoning the period of limitation.
5.3.1 The two-Judge Bench passed an order in Sarah Mathew
vs. Institute of Cardio Vascular Diseases9 and referred
the matter to a three-Judge Bench. The three-Judge
Bench of this Court in Sarah Mathew v. Institute of
Cardio Vascular Diseases and Others10 took a view that
as a coordinate Bench, it cannot declare the decision in
Krishna Pillai (supra) to be not laying down the correct
law. In due deference to the precedential discipline, the
issue was referred to the five-Judge Bench to examine
the correctness of the view in Krishna Pillai (supra). It
culminated into the Constitution Bench decision in Sarah
Mathew (supra).
5.4 In order to understand the law clarified by the Constitution Bench
judgment in Sarah Mathew (supra), it would be relevant to briefly
refer to the decisions in Bharat Kale (supra) and in Japani
Sahoo (supra), which were later affirmed by the Constitution
Bench, holding that the decision in Krishna Pillai (supra),
was not a good law. The Bharat Kale (supra) involved the
facts where the offence under the Drugs and Magic Remedies
(Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 was involved. On
detection of the offence on 05.03.1999, the complaint came to
be filed on 03.03.2000, which was within the period of limitation
of one year. The Magistrate, however, took cognizance thereof
on 25.03.2000, which was the date after one year. The argument
6 (2003) 8 SCC 559
7 (2007) 7 SCC 394
8 (1990) Supp. SCC 121
9 (2014) 2 SCC 102
10 (2014) 2 SCC 104
468 [2026] 4 S.C.R.
Supreme Court Reports
was that since the cognizance was taken after one year, the
bar of limitation would operate.
5.4.1 The Court held in Bharat Kale (supra),
‘…that the limitation prescribed therein is only for the
filing of the complaint or initiation of the prosecution
and not for taking cognizance. It of course prohibits
the court from taking cognizance of an offence where
the complaint is filed before the court after the expiry
of the period mentioned in the said Chapter.’
(Para 10)
5.4.2 It was reasoned that taking cognizance is an act of
the court over which the prosecuting agency or the
complainant had no control and that the complaint which
was otherwise filed within the period of limitation cannot
be made infructuous by an act of the court which will
cause prejudice to the complainant. The maxim actus
curiae neminem gravabit, which means that the act of
the court shall not prejudice anybody, was applied and
relied upon.
5.4.3 Similarly, in Japani Sahoo (supra), it was a complaint
filed in the Magistrate’s court in respect of the alleged
offences punishable under Sections 161, 294, 323 and
506, IPC. On the basis of statements of witnesses,
learned Magistrate issued summons on 08.08.1997,
asking the accused to appear. The accused surrendered
on 23.11.1998 and thereafter filed a petition under Section
482, Cr.PC for quashing of the criminal proceedings,
raising contention that the cognizance could not have
been taken by the Court after the period of one year
limitation prescribed for the offence punishable under
Sections 294 and 323, IPC.
5.4.4 The view taken by the High Court while quashing the
proceedings that the relevant date for deciding the bar
of limitation was the date of taking cognizance by the
Court and since the cognizance was taken beyond the
period of one year and that the delay was not condoned
by the Court in exercise of powers under Section 473,
[2026] 4 S.C.R. 469
Roma Ahuja v. The State and Another
Cr.PC, came to be set aside by this Court. Another legal
maxim nullum tempus aut locus occurrit regi, which
means that the crime never dies, was taken resort to.
After elaborately delineating the scheme of Chapter
XXXVI, Cr.PC, as well as following the law laid down
in Bharat Kale (supra), it was held by this Court that
the date of filing the complaint or the date on which the
criminal proceedings are initiated is the relevant date for
the purpose of counting the limitation.
5.5 The Constitution Bench opined that the law laid down in Bharat
Kale (supra) and Japani Sahoo (supra) was good law and that
the decision in Krishna Pillai (supra) stood not only confined
to its own facts but the proposition of law laid down therein was
erroneous and could not hold the field. In Krishna Pillai (supra),
this Court dealt with Section 9 of the Child Marriage Restraint
Act, 1929, which is a special Act. It contains a provision that no
court shall take cognizance of any offence under the said Act
after the expiry of one year from the date on which the offence
is alleged to have been committed.
5.5.1 The Constitution Bench in terms observed that there
was no reference either to Section 468 or Section 473,
Cr.PC in the judgment in Krishna Pillai (supra), nor did
it refer to Sections 4 and 5, Cr.PC, which carved out the
exceptions for the special Act. Accordingly, it was ruled
by the Constitution Bench that Krishna Pillai (supra) was
not the authority for deciding the question as to what is
the relevant date for the purpose of computing the period
of limitation under Section 468 Cr.PC.
5.5.2 It is a matter of jurisprudential interest that while upholding
the law in Bharat Kale (supra) and Japani Sahoo (supra)
and in discarding the proposition laid down in Krishna
Pillai (supra), the Constitution Bench underscored the
importance of legal maxims in the interpretational process
for which the criticism was sought to be levelled in the
decision in Bharat Kale (supra) and Japani Sahoo
(supra) that the ratio thereof heavily leaned towards the
legal maxims. The Bench dispelled the submission that
legal maxims could not have been utilised to expand and
interpret the statutory provisions.
470 [2026] 4 S.C.R.
Supreme Court Reports
5.5.3 It was aptly observed,
“It is true that in Bharat Kale and Japani Sahoo, this
Court has referred to two important legal maxims.
We may add that in [Vanka Radhamanohari v. Vanka
Venkata Reddy, (1993) 3 SCC 4 : 1993 SCC (Cri)
571] , to which our attention has been drawn by
the counsel, it is stated that the general rule of
limitation is based on the Latin maxim vigilantibus
et non dormientibus, jura subveniunt, which means
the vigilant and not the sleepy, are assisted by laws.
We are, however, unable to accept the submission
that reliance placed on legal maxims was improper.
We are mindful of the fact that legal maxims are
not mandatory rules but their importance as guiding
principles can hardly be underestimated.”
(Para 17)
5.5.4 Referring to Herbert Broom’s work ‘Broom’s Legal
Maxims’ (10th Edition, 1939), it was highlighted that the
importance of legal maxims has to be acknowledged in
the process of development of law. It was observed that
in the ruder ages, the majority of questions in relation to
the rights, remedies and liabilities of private individuals
were determined by an immediate reference to such
maxims, many of which are obtained in the Roman Law.
It was expressed that the legal maxims are manifestly
founded in reason, public convenience and necessity.
5.6 It has to be added that the legal maxims which trace their origin
and birth in the experience of the older times and emerge in
the progress of civilization, blend reasonableness, wisdom,
truthfulness and objectivity, to be much useful in developing
the legal concepts out of the codified law and in interpreting
the statutory provisions. They play role of enriching the
interpretational contents and adding to the jurisprudential stuff.
5.7 Without straying any further, it is to be noted that the Constitution
Bench in Sarah Mathew (supra) adverted to the meaning of
the expression ‘taking cognizance’, to observe that the same
has not been defined in the Code but it is of definite import and
[2026] 4 S.C.R. 471
Roma Ahuja v. The State and Another
signifies the stage where the Magistrate applies his mind to the
suspected commission of an offence, which indicates the point
when a Court or Magistrate takes judicial notice of an offence
with a view to initiate proceedings in respect of such offence
said to have been committed by the alleged offender.
5.7.1 There is no gainsaying, as observed in S.K. Sinha,
Chief Enforcement Officer v. Videocon International
Ltd. and Others11 that whether or not a Magistrate has
taken cognizance of an offence depends on the facts
and circumstances of each case and no rule of universal
application can be laid down as to when a Magistrate
can be said to have taken the cognizance.
5.7.2 As observed by the Constitution Bench, the point of time
when cognizance is taken by the court or the magistrate
cannot supply certain, definitive or dependable criteria to
treat it relevant for the purpose of reckoning the limitation
period. There are inherent vagaries in such aversion,
‘…a Magistrate takes cognizance when he applies
his mind or takes judicial notice of an offence
with a view to initiating proceedings in respect of
offence which is said to have been committed.
This is the special connotation acquired by the
term “cognizance” and it has to be given the same
meaning wherever it appears in Chapter XXXVI. It
bears repetition to state that taking cognizance is
entirely an act of the Magistrate. Taking cognizance
may be delayed because of several reasons. It may
be delayed because of systemic reasons. It may
be delayed because of the Magistrate’s personal
reasons.’
(Para 34)
5.8 The justification drawn for the proposition is that it is the date of
filing of complaint which is relevant for the purpose of applying
limitation, with reference to the provisions of Section 473,
11 (2008) 2 SCC 492
472 [2026] 4 S.C.R.
Supreme Court Reports
Cr.PC. The following observations from the Constitution Bench
judgment in Sarah Mathew (supra) may be pertinently seen,
‘The role of the court acting under Section 473 was aptly
described by this Court in Vanka Radhamanohari [(1993) 3
SCC 4] where this Court expressed that this section has a
non obstante clause, which means that it has an overriding
effect on Section 468. This Court further observed that :
(SCC p. 8, para 6)
“6. … There is a basic difference between
Section 5 of the Limitation Act and Section 473
of the Criminal Procedure Code. For exercise
of power under Section 5 of the Limitation Act,
the onus is on the appellant or the applicant to
satisfy the court that there was sufficient cause
for condonation of the delay, whereas, Section
473 enjoins a duty on the court to examine not
only whether such delay has been explained but
as to whether it is the requirement of the justice
to condone or ignore such delay.”
These observations indicate the scope of Section 473
Cr.PC. Examined in the light of legislative intent and
meaning ascribed to the term “cognizance” by this Court,
it is clear that Section 473 Cr.PC postulates condonation
of delay caused by the complainant in filing the complaint.
It is the date of filing of the complaint which is material.’
(Para 36)
5.8.1 The Constitution Bench proceeded to explain further,
‘…there has to be some amount of certainty
or definiteness in matters of limitation relating
to criminal offences. If, as stated by this Court,
taking cognizance is application of mind by the
Magistrate to the suspected offence, the subjective
element comes in. Whether a Magistrate has
taken cognizance or not will depend on facts and
circumstances of each case. A diligent complainant
or the prosecuting agency which promptly files
[2026] 4 S.C.R. 473
Roma Ahuja v. The State and Another
the complaint or initiates prosecution would be
severely prejudiced if it is held that the relevant
point for computing limitation would be the date
on which the Magistrate takes cognizance. The
complainant or the prosecuting agency would be
entirely left at the mercy of the Magistrate, who
may take cognizance after the limitation period
because of several reasons; systemic or otherwise.
It cannot be the intention of the legislature to
throw a diligent complainant out of the court in this
manner.’
(Para 37)
5.8.2 The following were further stated,
‘Besides, it must be noted that the complainant
approaches the court for redressal of his grievance.
He wants action to be taken against the perpetrators
of crime. The courts functioning under the criminal
justice system are created for this purpose. It
would be unreasonable to take a view that delay
caused by the court in taking cognizance of a case
would deny justice to a diligent complainant. Such
an interpretation of Section 468 Cr.PC would be
unsustainable and would render it unconstitutional.’
(Para 37)
5.8.3 It was further observed in Paragraph 45 that the Court in
interpreting and asserting the proposition of law that the
relevant date for the purpose of computing limitation is
the date of filing of complaint or initiation of proceedings,
and not the date when the court or magistrate takes
cognizance of the offence, did not mean supplying casus
omissus, but was only amounted to carrying out the
intention of the legislature by ascertaining such intention.
Ascertaining the intention of legislature, opined the Court,
is the judicial function.
5.8.4 With such rich amount of reasoning, the Constitution
Bench propounded the law thus,
474 [2026] 4 S.C.R.
Supreme Court Reports
‘In view of the above, we hold that for the purpose
of computing the period of limitation under Section
468 Cr.PC the relevant date is the date of filing of
the complaint or the date of institution of prosecution
and not the date on which the Magistrate takes
cognizance. We further hold that Bharat Kale,
[(2003) 8 SCC 559], which is followed in Japani
Sahoo, [(2007) 7 SCC 394] lays down the correct
law. Krishna Pillai [Krishna Pillai v. T.A. Rajendran,
[1990 Supp SCC 121] will have to be restricted to
its own facts and it is not the authority for deciding
the question as to what is the relevant date for the
purpose of computing the period of limitation under
Section 468 Cr.PC.’
(Para 51)
6. The more recent decision in Amritlal v. Shantilal Soni and Others12
reiterates the position of law. The facts involved in the case were that the
appellant filed a written complaint on 10.07.2012 to the Superintendent
of Police, Khachrod, claiming that he had entrusted 33.139 kilograms
of silver to the respondent on 04.10.2009 and the respondent refused
to return the same when the demand was made by the appellant.
FIR No. 289 of 2012 came to be registered. After investigation, the
Police filed charge-sheet on 13.11.2012 against Respondent Nos. 1
and 2. Thereafter, the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Khachrod took
cognizance on 04.12.2012 and then framed charges on 12.09.2013.
6.1 The order framing of charges came to be challenged by the
respondent-accused by filing Revision Application under Section
397, Cr.PC on the ground inter alia that taking of cognizance
by the Magistrate was barred by limitation. When the plea was
negatived and the orders were challenged, the High Court
took the view that taking of cognizance on 04.12.2012 by the
Magistrate was barred by limitation, consequently, the High
Court quashed the proceedings.
6.2 The following view taken by the High Court came to be
disapproved in the decision of the Constitution Bench in Sarah
Mathew (supra),
12 (2022) 13 SCC 128
[2026] 4 S.C.R. 475
Roma Ahuja v. The State and Another
‘On cumulative consideration of the aforesaid discussion,
this Court is of the view that the date of offence is very
well known to the complainant i.e. 4-10-2009 and he
lodged F.I.R. on 19-7-2012 i.e. after 2 years 9½ months
of the alleged incident and the Police has filed charge
sheet on 4-12-2012 after a period of three years of the
alleged incident, on which basis, the Magistrate has
taken cognizance of the offence against the petitioners
on 4-12-2012 which was barred by limitation, therefore,
the trial court as well as Revisional Court have committed
error of law in rejecting the plea taken by the petitioners
regarding maintainability of the prosecution on the ground
of limitation.’
(Para 20)
6.3 The categorical law laid down by the Constitution Bench in
Sarah Mathew (supra) was so applied in Amritlal (supra) to
hold that the complaint was filed on 10.07.2012, which was
within a period of three years with reference to the date of
commission of offence,
‘Therefore, the enunciations and declaration of law by
the Constitution Bench in Sarah Mathew case, [(2014) 2
SCC 62], do not admit of any doubt that for the purpose of
computing the period of limitation under Section 468 Cr.PC,
the relevant date is the date of filing of the complaint or the
date of institution of prosecution and not the date on which
the Magistrate takes cognizance of the offence. The High
Court has made a fundamental error in assuming that the
date of taking cognizance i.e. 4-12-2012 is decisive of the
matter, while ignoring the fact that the written complaint
was indeed filed by the appellant on 10-7-2012, well within
the period of limitation of 3 years with reference to the
date of commission of offence i.e. 4-10-2009.’
(Para 11)
7. In the present case, learned counsel for the respondents made a vain
attempt by referring to the definition of ‘complaint’ in Section 2(d) as
well as definition of ‘police report’ in Section 2(r), Cr.PC, and further
taking resort to the provisions of Section 173, which deals with the
476 [2026] 4 S.C.R.
Supreme Court Reports
‘Report to Police Officer on Completion of Investigation’, and Section
190 under which the Magistrate takes cognizance of the offences
upon receiving a complaint of facts which constitute the offence or
upon a police report of such facts or upon information received from
any person other than police, submitted that the Constitution Bench
judgment in Sarah Mathew (supra) was related to a case where the
complaint was filed before the Magistrate, whereas in the instant case,
the FIR was filed and subsequently, the Magistrate took cognizance.
7.1 It was submitted that in view of the difference in working of
the provisions, especially under the provisions of Section 173
onwards, and having regard to the distinction between ‘complaint’
defined in Section 2(d) and the ‘police report’ defined in Section
2(r), Cr.PC, and when the ‘complaint’ in Section 2(d) does not
include the police report, the Constitution Bench judgment is
distinguishable and the instant being the complaint case, the
principle laid down in Sarah Mathew (supra) will not apply.
7.2 The above submission is stated to be rejected. The computing
point of limitation for the purpose of Section 468, Cr.PC is held to
be the date of filing complaint – the date of initiation of criminal
proceedings. Whether the case belongs to one instituted before
the Magistrate under Section 173 or it is upon a complaint
filed before the police, what matters is the date of initiation of
criminal proceedings.
7.3 The criminal proceedings can be said to have been initiated in
both categories of complaint when the complaint is filed before
the Magistrate or FIR is lodged before the police, as the case
may be. It remains a complaint made either to the Magistrate
or to the police to become the starting point of initiation of
criminal proceedings.
7.4 The relevant date as held by Sarah Mathew (supra) would be
the date of filing of complaint or, differently stated, the date of
initiation of criminal proceedings. Therefore, the submission on
behalf of the respondents on this count falls flat.
8. As disclosure of honest and full facts before the Court is part of the
fair conduct on the part of lawyers, respecting the binding precedence
of the judgments and conceding its applicability in a case is also a
duty in fairness to be discharged by the advocates in conducting their
case. They are part of the system of administration of justice and
[2026] 4 S.C.R. 477
Roma Ahuja v. The State and Another
are not expected to breach the rules of the game to argue against
settled principles or contrary to well settled law, just for the sake
of doing it. Giving up an argument where a point of law is already
decided is a professional virtue. It is part of ethics in professional
conduct before the Court.
8.1 As the courts are bound by the law of precedent and to follow
the law laid down in the binding judgment of the Constitution
Bench, the lawyers are also expected to respect the strong-
operated precedent emanating from a judgment holding the
field unless exceptional grounds exist to distinguish the decision
are available. Merely for the purpose of demonstrating the
argumentative skill, the lawyers ought not to eat up the valuable
public time of the court by making the submissions, which are
worthless against binding precedent.
8.2 It is to be noticed that even in Amritlal (supra), a failed contention
was advanced seeking to submit that the date of cognizance
by the Magistrate was required to be applied inasmuch as the
decision in Sarah Mathew (supra) needed reconsideration
on the ground that several aspects relating to the purpose of
Chapter XXXVI, Cr.PC, have not been taken into consideration
and the Court had not comprehensively dealt with the provisions
relating to the bar of limitation.
8.3 Rejecting such contention, the Court in Amritlal (supra)
observed, and this Court reiterates the same,
‘A decision of the Constitution Bench of this Court cannot
be questioned on certain suggestions about different
interpretation of the provisions under consideration. It
remains trite that the binding effect of a decision of this
Court does not depend upon whether a particular argument
was considered or not, provided the point with reference
to which the argument is advanced, was actually decided
therein [ Vide Somawanti v. State of Punjab, 1962 SCC
OnLine SC 23 : AIR 1963 SC 151, para 22] . This is apart
from the fact that a bare reading of the decision in Sarah
Mathew, (2014) 2 SCC 62 would make it clear that every
relevant aspect concerning Chapter XXXVI Cr.PC has been
dilated upon by the Constitution Bench in necessary details.’
(Para 13)
478 [2026] 4 S.C.R.
Supreme Court Reports
9. It has to be asserted that the Constitution Bench judgment is a
beckoning binding precedent and the courts are bound by it. There
cannot be any room to travel beyond the four corners of the binding
nature thereof by raising spacious argument that the particular aspect
was missed or that the particular contentions was not canvassed. Such
stock contentions cannot dilute the law laid down by the Constitution
Bench and its unimpeachable precedential value.
10. As a consequence of all the foregoing reasons and discussion, it is to
be held that the High Court committed a patent error in quashing the
FIR No. 121 of 2011 on the ground of limitation, taking an erroneous
view that the date of taking cognizance by the Magistrate is relevant.
As held by the Constitution Bench in Sarah Mathew (supra), the
relevant date for the purpose of reckoning the limitation under Section
468, Cr.PC is the date of filing of complaint or the date of initiation
of criminal proceedings.
11. The impugned order dated 30.01.2025 in Crl. M.C. No. 1170 of
2017 and Crl. M.A. No. 7270 of 2016 by the High Court are hereby
set aside. The Appeals stand allowed. The trial shall expeditiously
proceed in accordance with law.
Interlocutory application, if any pending, shall not survive.
Result of the case: Appeals allowed.
†
Headnotes prepared by: Divya Pandey
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