Limitation Period Under Article 58 Begins When Cause of Action First Arises: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court held that the limitation period under Article 58 of the Limitation Act begins from the date the cause of action first arises, not when the plaintiff gains “full knowledge” of the dispute.

Rejecting the Gujarat High Court’s interpretation, the bench of Justices ruled that distinguishing between “knowledge” and “full knowledge” is fallacious.

The Court emphasized that when a suit is time-barred, as in this case where the plaintiff challenged the father's will and codicil after a three-year limitation period, it can be dismissed under Order VII Rule 11(d) without requiring evidence.