; and (ii) not sooner than the earlier of the conclusion of the administrative process and 180 days after the alleged violation. (B) Statute of limitations The computation of such 2-year period shall not include any time during which an administrative proceeding under section 8 was pending with respect to a complaint under such section. (2) Barring suit If the Assistant Secretary has obtained a conciliation agreement with the consent of an aggrieved person, no action may be filed under this subsection by such aggrieved person with respect to the alleged violation of section 7 except for the purpose of enforcing the terms of such an agreement. (b) Relief which may be granted (1) In general In a civil action under subsection (a), if the court finds that a violation of section 7 or breach of a conciliation agreement has occurred, the court may award to the plaintiff actual and punitive damages, and may grant as relief, as the court deems appropriate, any permanent or temporary injunction, temporary restraining order, or other order (including an order enjoining the defendant from engaging in such practice or ordering such affirmative action as may be appropriate). (2) Fees and costs In a civil action under subsection (a), the court, in its discretion, may allow the prevailing party, other than the United States, a reasonable attorney’s fee and costs. The United States shall be liable for such fees and costs to the same extent as a private person. (c) Intervention by Attorney General Upon timely application, the Attorney General may intervene in such civil action, if the Attorney General certifies that the case is of general public importance. 10. Enforcement by the Attorney General (a) Pattern or practice cases Whenever the Attorney General has reasonable cause to believe that any person or entity is engaged in a pattern or practice that denies the rights specified in section 7 and such denial raises an issue of general public importance, the Attorney General may commence a civil action in any appropriate United