57Time limits for actions for libel and slander
(1)The [1980 c. 58.] Limitation Act 1980 shall be amended as follows.
(2)After section 4 there shall be inserted—
“4ATime limit for actions for libel or slander.
The time limit under section 2 of this Act shall not apply to an action for libel or slander, but no such action shall be brought after the expiration of three years from the date on which the cause of action accrued.”.
(3)In section 28 (persons under disability), after subsection (4) there shall be inserted—
“(4A)If the action is one to which section 4A of this Act applies, subsection (1) above shall have effect as if for the words from " at any time " to " occurred) " there were substituted the words " by him at any time before the expiration of three years from the date when he ceased to be under a disability."”.
(4)After section 32 there shall be inserted—
“Discretionary extension of time limit for actions for libel or slander.
32ADiscretionary extension of time limit for actions for libel or slander.
Where a person to whom a cause of action for libel or slander has accrued has not brought such an action within the period of three years mentioned in section 4A of this Act (or, where applicable, the period allowed by section 28(1) as modified by section 28(4A)) because all or any of the facts relevant to that cause of action did not become known to him until after the expiration of that period, such an action—
(a)may be brought by him at any time before the expiration of one year from the earliest date on which he knew all the facts relevant to that cause of action ; but
(b)shall not be so brought without the leave of the High Court.”.
(5)In section 36(1) (exclusion of claims for equitable relief from certain time limits), after paragraph (a) there shall be inserted—
“(aa)the time limit under section 4A for actions for libel or slander;”.