Limitation period bar to cognizance prevents courts from taking offences after prescribed time, joint trials follow severest offence. Section 514 bars courts from taking cognizance of certain offences after the expiry of their prescribed limitation periods, with three bands tied to the maximum sentence. When offences may be tried together, the limitation period is determined by the offence attracting the more severe punishment. The period runs from the date of filing a complaint or the date of recording information initiating proceedings.