All DRT & DRAT Tribunals in India: Complete Guide
If you received a bank recovery notice, SARFAESI action or have a pending loan dispute, figuring out which Debt Recovery Tribunal will have jurisdiction over your matter can get overwhelming really fast. Determining the proper DRT or DRAT in India is often the first actionable step for borrowers, guarantors, companies and financial institutions.
As of 2026, there are 39 Debt Recovery Tribunals (“DRTs”) and 5 Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunals (“DRATs”) constituted in India pursuant to the Administrative Control of the Department of Financial Services (“DFS”), Ministry of Finance. While DRTs hear debt-recovery proceedings, DRATs hear the specified appeals from the DRT proceedings and such matters as may be provided under the applicable laws.
However, a typical error is to assume every bank recovery matter will be adjudicated like a regular civil suit. DRT proceedings are governed by a specialized statute. SARFAESI remedies involve a different remedy (& involves the DRT) which is also subject to various statutory requirements.
If you are a borrower in Delhi, a small business owner in Noida, own property in Gurugram or operate a company in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or Bengaluru – the question becomes the same what forum will hear my matter, what remedy is available to me and what should I do after receiving a notice?
A DRT Advocate can help clients understand their forum, documents, notice and procedural posture before taking the next step. The exact remedy would still depend on the facts, type of debt, security involved, stage of the proceeding and the applicable laws.
Why Do DRT and DRAT Matters Matter in 2026?
DRTs handle various banking and financial disputes ranging across secured as well as unsecured debts. While a bank or financial institution may initiate recovery proceedings, sometimes the borrower or another affected person may file an application before the DRT(s) under which the statute provides relief.
Territorial Jurisdiction for filing application before DRT
The Debts Recovery Tribunal Acts, 1993 (“RDB Act”) itself lays down the statute under which DRTs function. SARFAESI Act, 2002 separately lays down the framework for enforcement of security interest and also provides statutory relief to an affected person before the DRT in certain cases.
Hence, for those looking for DRT lawyers in Delhi NCR/Ghaziabad/Noida/Greater Noida/Gurugram/Faridabad etc. the borrower’s location may not always be able to help you determine the jurisdiction. It depends on both territorial jurisdiction as well as the statutory jurisdiction.
It is best not to wait till the auction/possession/recovery proceedings are in an advanced stage before analyzing the legal position. Taking an early look at the notice and the documents that formed the basis of the notice can help you appreciate the situation better.
Scope of Consulting DRT Advocates
One can consult DRT Advocates in cases where a borrower, guarantor, company or any other person affected by a DRT or SARFAESI proceeding needs help understanding and dealing with the same.
Quick Facts About DRT and DRAT in India
- As per the Department of Financial Services, India has 39 operational DRTs.
- As per DFS 20 25–26 Annual Report, India has 5 DRATs i.e Allahabad, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai.
- DRTs were constituted under the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993.
- Subject to statutory mechanisms provided under SARFAESI Act, SARFAESI cases can be filed before a DRT.
- DRT is presided by Presiding Officers and DRAT is headed by Chairpersons.
- A DRAT is an appellate tribunal and not another court of first instance like DRT.
- The appropriate forum depends on nature of proceedings as well stage of the proceedings and subject matter jurisdiction.
What Are DRT and DRAT?
A Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) refers to a statutory tribunal which adjudicates on matters referred to or assigned to it by or under the laws relating to recovery of debts and enforcement of security interests. The RDB Act, 1993 was established specifically to provide a speedy and specialized system for adjudication and recovery of debts owed to banks and financial institutions. A Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal (DRAT), as the name suggests, is an appellate tribunal which hears appeals and entertain other matters referred to or assigned to it under the relevant statutes. This distinction is important. One cannot presume that every proceeding commences before a DRAT. In many cases the first forum with statutory jurisdiction would be the DRT and an appeal would lie from the DRT to the relevant DRAT. DRT Advocates first look at what stage the proceeding is at. A demand notice, possession notice, auction notice, Original Application, Securitisation Application or appellate proceeding all call for different legal strategy.
What Is the Legal Framework for DRT Matters?
- Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993 or The principal Act.The Act lays down the legislative framework for DRTs and DRATs. The Act deals with adjudication and recovery of debts owed to banks and financial institutions.
- Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 or SARFAESI ACT.As the name suggests SARFAESI ACT allows regulation of securitisation/reconstruction of financial assets & enforcement of security interest.
SARFAESI proceeding would require a borrower to consider challenges to the enforcement notice or demand under the notice, secured asset, loan documents/account classification/statutory requirements/follow up action. Remedies available would depend on the facts and stage of proceeding.
Law also treats bank’s recovery proceeding vs borrower’s challenge to action taken under SARFAESI differently. The two cannot be conflated as same proceeding.
DRT Advocates would be able to identify whether the matter at hand is an Original Application/SARFAESI (Securitisation Application)/ Appeal/Some Other proceeding under the Tribunal.
What Documents Should You Keep Ready?
If your matter is being handled by a lawyer for DRT or SARFAESI, they will generally need the entire underlying record rather than just the latest notice that you received.
Documents that will be helpful include:
- Loan sanction letter/ loan agreement
- Statements account/repayment history
- Documents related to security/mortgage
- Documents related to guarantee (if any)
- Bank notices correspondences
- SARFAESI demand/ possession notice
- Documents related to auction /sale (if any)
- Previous responses sent to the bank
- DRT pleadings/applications/orders
- Property related documents (if any)
- Evidence of payment/settlement/restructuring
- PAN/POA/Affidavits etc. (As required)
Always keep the older bank notice even if you have received a newer notice. The chronological order can become important when reviewing the legal record. DRT Advocates will likely want to review the entire timeline before they can determine if a suggested legal action is warranted.
When Should You Consult a DRT Lawyer?
Legal advice becomes necessary after getting a statutory recovery notice, SARFAESI notice, possession notice, auction notice or DRT Proceeding.
Advice should also be taken by a borrower if the bank demand seems unusual when compared to account records, where there is an objection to a security document, where a guarantor is being proceeded against, or where a prior settlement or restructuring is applicable.
Businesses will want to tread carefully if the enforcement action relates to working capital, inventory, machinery or business premises.
In case of a person located in Delhi NCR, an individual may also consider speaking to a DRT Advocate if the property is located in Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Faridabad or elsewhere but proceedings have been initiated in a specific DRT.
DRT advocates will look over the notice and documents first. They will then discuss your legal options in simple language.
How DRT Advocates Can Help
We at DRT Advocates offer our services keeping forums as the nucleus of banking recovery and DRT matters. Typically, the preliminary work involves knowing about the loan, security involved, notices served and current stage of proceeding.
Services offered can include reviewing of DRT proceedings, SARFAESI related disputes, recovery claims, issues of borrower / guarantor, appeals and related documentation.
Just because you have spoken to us over the phone does not mean you are guaranteed a certain outcome. Every case is different and the practical relief available would depend on the documents, facts, legal provisions and orders made during the course of the matter.
While meeting with DRT Advocates, please carry the latest notice received along with prior correspondences wherever possible. It helps to have a complete file rather than a single page doctored to fit the narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions About DRT and DRAT
1. How many DRTs are there in India in 20 26?
As per the Department of Financial Services, across India, there are 39 DRTs and 5 DRATs in India.
2. How many DRATs are there in India?
The five DRATs as per Department of Financial Services are Allahabad, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai.
3. What is the difference between DRT and DRAT?
A DRT is essentially a first-instance specialised tribunal with statutory jurisdiction over specific matters. A DRAT hears specified appeals from orders passed by the DRTs and deals with related appellate matters.
4. Which statute set up DRTs?
The statute that created and governs DRTs and DRATs is Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993.
5. Does DRT handle SARFAESI matters?
Yes. Under SARFAESI Act, the affected person has a statutory remedy to approach DRT in respect of certain measures taken by the secured creditor.
6. Can a borrower file a case in DRT against bank?
The borrower can approach DRT if the statute provides him with a remedy and the facts of his case satisfy the applicable legal requirements. The nature of the action complained of would determine the exact remedy available.
7. Can a guarantor file a case in DRT?
A guarantor can have statutory remedies against lenders depending on the nature of the proceedings. The documents and the exact action taken by the lender would need to be reviewed first.
8. Is DRT considered civil court?
DRT is not a civil court. It is a statutory body having specialized jurisdiction under the statute governing its functions.
9. Where is the DRAT for Delhi?
Delhi has a DRAT as listed by the Department of Financial Services. However the particular appellate forum would need to be confirmed based on the jurisdiction and facts of the case.
10. Is there any DRAT in UP?
Allahabad is listed under DRATs by DFS. The jurisdiction of the tribunal would need to be confirmed for the intended appeal.
11. What is an Original Application before DRT?
Original Application is the proceeding invoked for making claims before DRT that fall within its jurisdiction under the statute. The pleadings and relief would be determined by facts and applicable law.
12. What is Securitisation Application?
Securitisation Application is the proceeding filed before DRT in appropriate cases under SARFAESI Act. The grounds and relief would depend on what measures are being challenged and what provisions of the Act are being invoked.
13. Can matters before DRT relate to property?
Yes, since property is often provided as security these matters tend to involve properties where some enforcement action is being taken over a secured asset.
14. Can DRT lawyer help with auction notice?
A DRT lawyer can review the notice along with the underlying proceedings to determine what statutory remedies are available. The proper response would depend on the specifics of the case.
15. Can a bank recovery be settled?
The answer would depend on the bank involved, the account, policy concerns and circumstances. However settlement could be possible commercially. Any settlement agreement should be documented.
16. What documents should be sent for DRT consultation?
The most recent notice received along with loan documents, account statement, documents showing any security provided, correspondence sent and any orders received from the tribunal would be helpful.
17. Can a company file a case in DRT?
Companies are often involved in debt that gets recovered through DRT proceedings. Depending on the nature of the default and the underlying debt, a company can be part of DRT proceedings.
18. Are all bank disputes filed before DRT?
No, not all bank disputes go to DRT. The appropriate forum depends on the nature of the dispute, the law under which relief can be sought, the amount involved in certain cases, the stage of the bank proceedings and the applicable statute under which the dispute can be raised.
19. Can we challenge a DRT order?
Statutory appeals are possible in certain cases. The order would need to be checked for any available appeals. Additionally, limitation requirements, pre deposits if required and the correct appellate forum would need to be verified.
20. How can Advocates at DRT help with my DRT matter?
Advocates at DRT can review the loan account recovery history, identify the stage of the proceedings, point out the correct forum and assist you with the legal proceedings or documents required, subject to verification of facts.
Final Thoughts
DRT has been created for adjudication of certain classes of banking and debt-recovery related disputes. With 39 District Forums and 5 appellate Forums across the country, the first step towards resolving a dispute would be to approach the correct forum. Borrowers/Guarantors/Companies/FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS look no further.
Ignoring a notice because it is loaded with legal jargon is not advisable. But neither should you assume that every notice proves that the bank/financial institution is right. The documents, statutes & stage of procedure must be looked at together.
DRT advocates handle matters from DELHI NCR, Noida, Ghaziabad,Gurugram,Faridabad,LUCKNOW, JAIPUR,Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru,Kolkata, Hyderabad and other cities. Feel free to connect with us for legal advice based on the facts of record.
Received a notice from DRT/SARFAESI/Auction/Possession? Don’t ignore legal advice and lose an important statutory opportunity.
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