For most borrowers in Delhi, the Debt Recovery Tribunal becomes relevant the moment their bank issues a notice under the SARFAESI Act. Whether it is a demand notice under Section 13(2), a possession notice under Section 13(4), a Section 14 order for physical possession, or a notice of auction — the DRT is the primary forum where these actions can be challenged. A borrower's application under Section 17 of the SARFAESI Act must be filed before the DRT within 45 days of the bank's action, and the DRT has the power to stay that action, set aside possession, cancel an auction, or restore the borrower's possession of the secured asset.
Delhi has three DRT benches — DRT-I, DRT-II and DRT-III — all sitting at the Delhi High Court Complex. Together they carry one of the heaviest SARFAESI and debt recovery caseloads in the country. Cases before DRT Delhi can involve properties and borrowers from across Delhi, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan, depending on where the secured asset is located and the lending institution is based.
In addition to SARFAESI challenges, the DRT also hears Original Applications filed by banks and financial institutions under Section 19 of the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993 — where the outstanding dues are Rs. 20 lakh or more. Borrowers in such matters can file written statements, raise counter-claims, and seek interim protection. If either side is aggrieved by a DRT order, the appeal goes to the Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal (DRAT), where a borrower ordinarily must deposit 50% of the determined amount — though this can be reduced to as low as 25% in appropriate cases.
The 45-day limitation period under Section 17 is strict and courts have generally not been sympathetic to delays. If you have received any notice from your bank under the SARFAESI Act, the clock is already running.
From the first filing to the last recovery step, here's where we get involved.
Where a bank has issued a possession notice under Section 13(4) of the SARFAESI Act, a Securitisation Application under Section 17 must be filed before the DRT within 45 days. We draft and argue these applications, seeking stay of further action pending adjudication.
Where a bank is seeking or has already obtained a Section 14 order from the District Magistrate for physical possession, we appear before the DRT to challenge and seek immediate stay of physical dispossession of the secured asset.
Where a bank has published an auction notice for the sale of a secured asset, we file urgent applications before the DRT seeking stay of the auction — including challenges based on undervaluation, procedural lapses, inadequate notice, and non-compliance with the Security Interest Enforcement Rules.
Where a property has already been sold in a bank auction and the sale certificate has been issued, we challenge the validity of the sale before the DRT on grounds including procedural non-compliance, inadequate reserve price, and failure to follow mandatory auction procedures under the Rules.
For banks, NBFCs, and ARCs seeking recovery of outstanding dues through the DRT, we file and argue Original Applications under Section 19 of the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993 — including interim attachment applications under Section 19(13) to secure assets during proceedings.
Appeals against DRT orders before the Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal — including applications for reduction of the mandatory pre-deposit from 50% to as low as 25%, and urgent stay applications where enforcement action is imminent pending appeal.
Who We Represent
Our Process
Loan papers, the notice you've received, or the OA filed against you — sent over WhatsApp, email, or the contact form.
We review the facts, the limitation position, and the merits, and tell you plainly where you stand.
The Original Application, SARFAESI challenge, or written statement is prepared and filed within the statutory timeline.
We appear at every hearing before the relevant DRT bench, arguing interim applications as needed along the way.
Through to Recovery Certificate execution, a negotiated settlement, or a DRAT appeal where the order calls for one.
Where your matter is heard
Delhi has three Debt Recovery Tribunal benches. Which one your matter lands on depends on the roster allocation at the time of filing.
Hears Original Applications and SARFAESI Section 17 matters filed within Delhi's jurisdiction.
Handles the same range of recovery matters, allocated on a roster basis alongside DRT-I and DRT-III.
Completes the three-bench roster that together carries one of the heaviest DRT caseloads in the country.
Bench address: Lawyers' Chambers Block, Delhi High Court Complex, New Delhi. Appeals against orders from any of these three benches go to the Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal (DRAT).
Years exclusively in banking & debt recovery litigation
Major banks & institutions as panel counsel
SARFAESI & DRT matters handled
Lenders & borrowers represented — full understanding of both sides