Continuing offence

For an offence that continues over time, the limitation clock restarts at every moment while the offence continues. Practically, the time limit for beginning proceedings is measured from the last moment of the continuing conduct. That means authorities can prosecute so long as some part of the offence falls within the applicable limitation period.

Arjun runs a small unit that discharges untreated waste into a river every day for three months. Because the pollution is a continuing offence, the limitation period restarts at every moment; the police can therefore file charges within the time measured from the last day the discharge occurred.