law: Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1973
  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.