Filing a case after the limitation period usually results in the court dismissing it as time-barred under Section 3 of the Limitation Act, meaning the claim becomes legally unenforceable regardless of its merits, but courts may still consider it if a valid remedy or exception applies. Skilled lawyers respond by examining whether delay can be condoned under Section 5 (for appeals and applications), whether time must be excluded for obtaining certified copies (Section 12), whether the case was pursued in the wrong forum in good faith (Section 14), or whether legal disability, fraud, concealment, acknowledgments, part-payments, or continuing causes of action have paused or restarted the limitation clock. They then prepare a detailed, evidence-backed timeline—supported by receipts, correspondence, medical records, and affidavits—to show that the delay was unavoidable and not due to negligence. If condonation is possible, they file a clear, well-structured application; if not, they explore alternative legal strategies such as fresh causes of action or negotiated settlement. This strategic, well-documented approach helps mitigate the consequences of late filing and maximizes the client’s chances of being heard on the merits.
