1. Core Legal Answer & Context: This statement encapsulates a fundamental principle of the law of limitation, often referred to as the "rule of no cessation" or "once time begins to run, it runs continuously." It is enshrined in Section 9 of the Limitation Act, 1963. The principle means that if a cause of action accrues and the limitation period for filing a suit or application starts running, any subsequent disability (such as minority, insanity, or idiocy) or inability of the person entitled to sue will not stop or suspend the running of time. The clock, once started, continues to tick regardless of later impediments.

Rationale:

• Certainty and Finality: The rule promotes certainty in legal proceedings and ensures finality in litigation. It prevents claims from being kept alive indefinitely due to unforeseen events or changes in the claimant's personal circumstances.
• Diligence: It encourages parties to be diligent in pursuing their legal rights once a cause of action arises.

Distinction from Initial Disability: This rule is distinct from the provisions for initial disability (Section 6 of the Limitation Act). Section 6 states that if a person is under a disability (minority, insanity, idiocy) at the time the cause of action accrues, the period of limitation will not begin to run until the disability has ceased. However, if the cause of action accrues when the person is not under a disability, and a disability arises later, Section 9 applies, and time continues to run.

Example: If a person becomes entitled to sue at age 20 (not a minor), and the limitation period starts, but they become insane at age 22, the limitation period will continue to run despite their insanity.

2. Relevant Statutes and Sections: Section 9 of the Limitation Act, 1963.

3. Important Landmark Cases:

• S.C. Gupta v. B.K. Gupta: Reaffirmed the principle that once limitation starts, it does not stop due to subsequent events or disabilities, emphasizing the strict nature of limitation laws.
• P.K. Ramachandran v. State of Kerala: The Supreme Court reiterated the importance of adhering to limitation periods and the continuous running of time once it has commenced, highlighting that courts cannot extend time on equitable grounds unless specifically provided by law.

4. Clear Conclusion: The principle "once time has begun to run, no subsequent disability stops it" is a cornerstone of the Limitation Act, 1963. It ensures that legal claims are pursued diligently and prevents the indefinite suspension of limitation periods due to later-arising incapacities, thereby promoting certainty, finality, and efficiency in the administration of justice.