Explanation:

The provisions of Limitation Act is not applicable to criminal cases. Limitation to file criminal cases is provided under section 468 as under: 1. six months, if the offence is punishable with fine only; 2. one year, if the offence is punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year; 3, three years, if the offence is punishable with imprisonment for a term exceeding one year but not exceeding three years. Defamation is punishable with more than One year of imprisonment and hence the limitation period to bring action is three years.