Limitation Act, 1908 — Section 3: Dismissal of suits, etc

3. Dismissal of suits, etc., instituted, etc., after period of limitation. Subject to the provisions contained in sections 4 to 25 (inclusive), every suit institute, appeal preferred, and application made, after the period of limitation prescribed therefore by the first schedule shall be dismissed, although limitation has not been set up as a defence. Explanation. A suit is instituted, in ordinary cases, when the plaint is presented to the proper officer; in the case of a pauper, when his application for leave to sue as a pauper is made; and, in the case of a claim against a company which is being wound up by the Court, when the claimant first sends in his claim to the official liquidator.