Under the Code on Wages, 2019, a claim arising under the Code, such as for less payment of wages or non-payment of bonus, must be filed before the authority within what period of limitation from the date on which the claim arises?

Section 45 of the Code on Wages, 2019 deals with the powers of the appointed authority to hear and decide claims arising under the Code. It provides that every such claim shall be filed within a period of three years from the date on which the claim arises. This is a significant enhancement over the earlier limitation periods of six months to one year under the Payment of Wages Act, 1936 and the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. The authority is, however, empowered to entertain a claim even after the expiry of the said period if satisfied that there was sufficient cause for the delay. This longer period gives employees a fairer opportunity to recover their dues.