Inapplicability of the Limitation Act, 1963 to quasi-judicial bodies and tribunals

The Limitation Act, 1963 applies strictly to civil courts and does not automatically govern quasi-judicial bodies, tribunals, or administrative authorities unless an express statutory provision confers such power upon them. As established in landmark rulings, the procedural machinery under the Act of 1963 is designed specifically for court systems governed by procedural codes. Quasi-judicial bodies operate under their governing statutes and cannot invoke the Limitation Act by implication or inherent power. Unless a special enactment expressly incorporates Sections 4 to 24 or similar powers of condonation, tribunals must enforce the statutory time-limits prescribed by their controlling legislation without extending or altering them. (The Property Company (P) Ltd. v. Rohinten Daddy Mazda | 2026 INSC 33)