For most borrowers in Prayagraj and across the districts under DRT Allahabad's jurisdiction, 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 from the District Magistrate 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 DRT Allahabad 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.
DRT Allahabad exercises jurisdiction over a significant number of districts spread across eastern, central and southern Uttar Pradesh — covering a large and diverse geography that includes major commercial centres as well as agricultural districts. In addition to SARFAESI challenges, DRT Allahabad 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.
Prayagraj holds a significant structural advantage — it is one of the very few cities in India where both the DRT and the DRAT sit in the same place. Appeals against DRT Allahabad orders go to DRAT Allahabad, without the need to travel to another city. DRAT Allahabad exercises appellate jurisdiction not only over DRT Allahabad but also over DRT Lucknow, DRT Dehradun, DRT Jabalpur, DRT Ranchi, DRT Patna and DRT Raipur — making it one of the most significant appellate tribunals in the country. A borrower appealing to the DRAT must ordinarily pre-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 DRT Allahabad 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 DRT Allahabad 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 DRT Allahabad 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 DRT Allahabad on grounds including procedural non-compliance, inadequate reserve price, and failure to follow mandatory auction procedures.
For banks, NBFCs, and ARCs seeking recovery of outstanding dues through DRT Allahabad, 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).
Appeals against DRT Allahabad orders before DRAT Allahabad — which sits in the same city, making the appeal process faster and more convenient. Includes applications for reduction of the mandatory pre-deposit and urgent stay applications where enforcement action is imminent pending appeal.
Structuring a One-Time Settlement where that genuinely serves the client better than continuing prolonged litigation.
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
Prayagraj is one of the few cities where the DRT and the DRAT sit in the same place — and it's also home to the Allahabad High Court.
Hears Original Applications and SARFAESI Section 17 matters for Prayagraj and the surrounding region.
Exercises appellate jurisdiction over DRT Allahabad, DRT Lucknow, DRT Dehradun, DRT Jabalpur, DRT Ranchi, DRT Patna and DRT Raipur — one of the most significant appellate tribunals in the country, sitting in the same city as DRT Allahabad.
The High Court — the relevant forum for writ petitions challenging bank or tribunal action.
DRAT Allahabad address: 147-A-58/1 Jawahar Lal Nehru Road, Tagore Town, Prayagraj - 211002. Because DRT and DRAT both sit here, appeals against a DRT Allahabad order don't require travelling to another city.
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
The Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal, Allahabad is established under Section 8 of the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993. It is one of only five DRATs functioning in India — the others being at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. DRAT Allahabad is the appellate forum for a vast geography, exercising jurisdiction over seven DRTs: DRT Allahabad, DRT Lucknow, DRT Dehradun, DRT Jabalpur, DRT Ranchi, DRT Patna and DRT Raipur. This makes it one of the most significant appellate tribunals in the country in terms of territorial reach.
The Chairperson of the DRAT must be, or have been, or be qualified to be, a Judge of a High Court. Under Section 17A of the RDB Act, the Chairperson also has general superintendence over all the DRTs within DRAT Allahabad's jurisdiction and the power to transfer a case from one DRT to another within the region. This supervisory function is in addition to the appellate jurisdiction of the DRAT.
An appeal against a DRT order lies before DRAT Allahabad under two separate provisions depending on the nature of the proceedings. Where the appeal is against an order passed by the DRT in an Original Application under the RDB Act, the appeal is governed by Section 20 of the RDB Act. Where the appeal is against an order passed by the DRT on a Section 17 SARFAESI application, the appeal is governed by Section 18 of the SARFAESI Act. In both cases, the appeal must be filed within 30 days of the DRT order, and the DRAT has the power to condone delay for sufficient cause.
A critical practical point is the pre-deposit requirement. A borrower filing an appeal before DRAT Allahabad — whether under the RDB Act or the SARFAESI Act — must deposit 50% of the debt due from him as claimed by the secured creditor or as determined by the DRT, whichever is less. The DRAT has the power to reduce this amount to not less than 25% for reasons to be recorded in writing. Total waiver of the pre-deposit is not permissible. Banks and financial institutions filing appeals before the DRAT are not required to make any pre-deposit.
A pending appeal before DRAT Allahabad does not automatically stay SARFAESI enforcement by the bank. A separate stay application must be filed before the DRAT. Where a bank has already taken possession or published an auction notice, an urgent stay application before the DRAT is often the only way to prevent the enforcement action from proceeding while the appeal is heard.
Where a Section 17 application filed before DRT Allahabad has not been disposed of within the statutory period of 60 days — with an outer limit of four months — either party has the right under Section 17(6) of the SARFAESI Act to approach DRAT Allahabad with an application directing the DRT to dispose of the pending application. This is an important but underutilised remedy for borrowers whose matters are not being heard within the prescribed time.