DRT Appeal Advocates in Allahabad DRAT Appeals, Pre-Deposit and Banking Recovery Matters
Winning or losing a banking recovery dispute at the DRT can happen overnight.
A borrower may have been litigating against possession, auction or a bank recovery case for months or even years before the Debt Recovery Tribunal. Then an order is issued. Sometimes it’s bad news. Sometimes interim relief is denied. In other cases, the bank, financial institution, guarantor, auction buyer or other interested party may want to challenge the DRT’s order.
This is where DRT Appeal Lawyers in Allahabad Uttar Pradesh enter the picture.
“What are my options to appeal?” is not the first question to ask after receiving an unfavorable DRT order. Instead, the party should first ask what statute the order was passed under, what appellate relief is available, what is the limitation period to file an appeal and does the borrower need to make a pre-deposit?
The reason these questions are important is because not all appeals from the DRT are governed by the same statute.
If the DRT issued an order under Section 17 of the SARFAESI Act, then the appeal will be under Section 18 of the SARFAESI Act. If the order is passed under Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993, then Section 20 of that Act provides the appellate framework. Borrower pre-deposit requirements should also be considered as they can be financially material.
Cause lists from DIR 2026 show that the Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal, Allahabad at Patrika Marg, Prayagraj is hearing appeals as usual. Regular appeals, miscellaneous appeals and applications from DRT cases including those from Allahabad, Lucknow, Jabalpur, Ranchi and Patna are on the calendar.
The DRT order itself is where BK Singh Advocate starts with every client. The order date, order receipt, case number, DRT from which the case arose, what statute applies and the amount at stake should be determined before evaluating what appellate options are available.
Filing an Appeal is a document intensive exercise with strict deadlines. It’s not simply repeating the arguments before the DRT.
Why Do DRT Appeals Matter in Allahabad in 2026?
An unfavorable DRT order can be much more than just an appeals problem.
It could mean loss of residence for a borrower (loss of a mortgaged house to the bank), sale of commercial premises to a third party (auction), action against one’s business assets, or a refused petition for interim relief. The exposure for a guarantor could be hefty. A bank or financial institution may have legitimate grounds to seek reversal of an order that impacts on recovery.
When the matter comes up for appeal, the next stage becomes even more critical since the matter has already been heard by one specialized forum.
Geography still matters – practically speaking – because the Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal at Prayagraj is seeing cases that have been filed against orders passed by different DRTs. A look at the DRAT Prayagraj 20 calendar lists appeals against orders from DRT Allahabad, DRT Lucknow, DRT Jabalpur, DRT Ranchi and DRT Patna among others.
This means the DRAT in Allahabad does not necessarily have jurisdiction over a client because he or she lives in Prayagraj.
Jurisdiction at the appellate level is determined by the forum from which the case comes and the jurisdictional mapping that applies to that DRT.
BK Singh Advocate therefore first verifies the underlying tribunal and order challenged instead of focusing on the location of the client.
Timing is also critical.
Appeals against orders passed by a DRT that are eligible to be challenged under Section 17 of the SARFAESI Act are to be filed under Section 18 within thirty days from the date of receipt of the DRT order.
Similarly, under Section 20 of the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, appeals have to be normally filed within thirty days from the date of receipt of the order from the tribunal. However, the Appellate Tribunal has the discretion to entertain an appeal beyond the prescribed time if sufficient cause is recorded. If a client delays checking the appellate deadline while waiting for informal negotiations to play out, he risks losing his appeal entirely by default.
Quick Facts About DRT Appeals in Allahabad
- DRAT Allahabad deals with the eligible appeals against the orders of the DRTs passed within its sanctioned jurisdiction.
- In the latest cause lists uploaded as of now, it’s mentioned as Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal, Allahabad- Sitting at Prayagraj.
- Appeals from eligible DRT orders passed under Section 17 are dealt under Section 18 of the SARFAESI Act.
- SARFAESI Act Section 18 allows 30 days from the date of receiving the DRT order to file an appeal.
- Section 18 also mandates that the borrower must deposit 50% of the debt amount which is appealed from. (However, Appellate tribunal may reduce the amount but not less than 25% of the debt amount)
- Appeals against eligible DRT orders passed under Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993 are dealt under Section 20 of that Act.
- Section 20 RDB Act allows 30 days from the receipt of the order to file an appeal.
- Section 21 RDB Act has a deposit condition required from persons who owe debt subject to reduction by Appellate tribunal to a minimum amount of 25%.
What Is a DRT Appeal?
A DRT appeal is an appeal made under statute against an order passed by the Debt Recovery Tribunal which is appealable.
The appeal is not a rehearing of the same case de novo.
Appellate forum only looks into the order appealed against, grounds urged by appellant, documents which are part of the record of the tribunal, applicable requirements under statute and relief sought.
The appellate provision varies based on the statute under which order was passed by the DRT.
For instance, if DRT passed an order under Section 17 of SARFAESI, appeal from such order would ordinarily be brought under Section 18 of that Act. However, if the appeal arises under Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, it would follow Section 20 of RDB Act.
These variations have consequences on limitation, pre-deposit, drafting and maintainability.
BK Singh Advocate analyses if the order is passed in SARFAESI proceeding, OA proceeding, recovery application or something else before deciding the appeal.
Which Laws Govern DRT Appeals in Allahabad?
SARFAESI ACT – Section 18 &
Section 20 Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act
Section 18 SARFAESI Act
Section 18 grants an appeal to the Appellate Tribunal for a person aggrieved by an order passed by the DRT under Section 17.
The limitation period is thirty days from receipt of the order passed by the DRT.
One of the most important aspects of Section 18 for borrowers is the requirement of pre-deposit.
Section 18(2) very clearly provides that “the Appellate Tribunal shall not entertain a borrower appeal unless 50% of the debt due, as claimed by the secured creditor or as determined by the Debts Recovery Tribunal, whichever is less, has been deposited.”
The Appellate Tribunal may in its discretion reduce the amount to be deposited, for reasons to be recorded in writing but not below 25%.
This pre-deposit requirement can impact materially whether and how you pursue an appeal.
BK Singh Advocate therefore advises clients to consider issues of pre-deposit right at the outset rather than stumbling upon it after preparing a lengthy set of appeal petitions.
Section 20 Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act
Section 20 allows appeals against certain orders passed by the DRT under the RDB Act. An appeal lies to the Appellate Tribunal having jurisdiction to entertain appeals from decisions of the DRT.
The appeal has to be preferred within thirty days from receipt of order as is ordinarily the case.
The Appellate Tribunal can entertain an appeal beyond the period of 30 days if sufficient cause for the delay is shown.
Orders passed by consent of parties are treated differently under the statute and should not be assumed to be automatically appealable.
Section 21 RDB Act – Pre-Deposit Requirement
Section 21 applies where the appeal is filed by a person from whom debt is due to a bank or financial institution.
Section 21 requires deposit of fifty percent (50%) of the debt as determined by the Tribunal under Section 19.
The Tribunal has the power to reduce that amount but not below twenty five percent (25%).
The application of Section 21 depends on the facts of each order. Appellant’s position in the proceeding will also determine applicability of Section 21.
Procedure Before Tribunal
Section 22 tells us that the Tribunal and Appellate Tribunal are not to be bound by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 while exercising their powers under the RDB Act.
They are however required to act according to the principles of natural justice, and are given certain procedural powers.
That is why pleadings in Tribunal appeals should not resemble those in regular civil appeals.
Which Matters Reach DRAT Allahabad?
Take a look at some of the current cause lists and you will see what we mean.
DRAT Allahabad hears appeals not just from DRT Allahabad.
The July 20 cause list included a regular appeal from an SA in Lucknow as well as one from Jabalpur.
The March 20 cause list had entries from Allahabad, Lucknow and Patna.
The August 20 cause list had cases from Jabalpur as well Ranchi.
This should tell the prospective appellant something very important- the forum for appeal is decided on the basis of jurisdictional allocation and not merely by the fact that the borrower resides in Allahabad (or Lucknow or Patna or Ranchi).
BK Singh Advocate will review the order of the originating DRT and advise if DRAT Allahabad is the correct forum for appeal.
What Is the Difference Between a DRT Case and DRAT Appeal?
A DRT proceeding is typically a first instance tribunal proceeding under the relevant banking recovery law.
A DRAT proceeding is a proceeding on appeal.
That distinction sounds obvious, but people regularly misunderstand it.
Imagine a borrower files an Application under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (popularly known as SARFAESI Act) challenging SARFAESI action before the DRT. The DRT issues an order. If that order is appealable, the first statutory forum to hear an appeal against the DRT order would be the relevant DRAT under Section 18 of the SARFAESI Act.
Similarly if a bank or a borrower is party to proceedings under the Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993 (popularly known as RDB Act), they may receive an order from the DRT against which rights to appeal under Section 20 arise.
An appeal to the DRAT therefore is concerned with the correctness, legality or viability of an existing order passed by the DRT.
It is not a brand new trial of the dispute ab initio.
BK Singh Advocate will typically review the order being challenged first, followed by the pleadings and evidence on which it was based.
What Is the Pre-Deposit Requirement in a SARFAESI Appeal?
It’s often the single most important question from a financial perspective for borrowers.
Section 18 of the SARFAESI Act mandates that borrower appeal shall not be entertained unless he deposits 50% of such amount of debt as may be determined under this section in relation to the appeal.
Appellate Tribunal may direct that a smaller amount than that specified in sub-section (1) shall be deposited; but not less than 25%.
Tread note this is not a nominal court fee for filing the appeal.
The prescribed amount can be quite huge especially where the underlying banking liability is substantial.
Instruct your client to carefully read the difference between:
- the fee for filing an appeal;
- the statutory precondition of pre-deposit;
- the claim for debt itself; and
- the amount deposited pursuant to previous orders.
- They are not mutually substitutable.
BK Singh Advocate can examine the debt figure on which DRT has relied & the claim made by secured creditor before you take up issue of pre-deposit.
Can Pre-Deposit Be Completely Waived?
It depends on which statue we are reading.
Under Section 18 of the SARFAESI Act, the Appellate Tribunal has power to reduce the prescribed deposit. It cannot however direct the deposit of an amount less than 25% of the debt figure mentioned in that section.
Section 21 of the RDB Act also mandates a deposit and allows for reduction of the same subject to the prescribed minimum in that provision.
A prayer for reduction thus has to be entertained subject to the statute.
You cannot therefore take it as a given that financial difficulties will erase every statutory deposit mandate.
BK Singh Advocate will need to see the relevant provision, DRT order and the material upon which a request for reduction could be based.
What Documents Are Needed for a DRT Appeal?
Appeal work requires a record of what happened before the tribunal.
A lawyer should not be asked to draft a winning appeal from a screenshot of the bottom page of the order.
Order Against Which Appeal is Filed
Save a full copy of the order against which appeal is intended to be filed.
Also note the date of receipt of order as limitation for appeal sometimes runs from date of receipt.
Original DRT Filings
Save the OA, SA, written statement, reply, rejoinder and any other main pleadings submitted before the DRT.
The appeal needs to be seen in light of what was pleaded before the DRT.
Interlocutory Applications
Stay application, amendment application, impleadment application, condonation application or any other interim application will be relevant if the impugned order is related to such application.
Perusing current DRAT Allahabad and DRT Allahabad cause lists reveals that interlocutory applications have become an integral aspect of tribunal litigation.
Loan Documents & Security Papers
Depending on the nature of dispute, files should include: sanction letter; loan document; mortgage papers; guarantee deed; statement of account; restructuring documents; and evidence of payments made.
SARFAESI Documents
In a Section 18 appeal, preserve the Section 13(2) notice, representation and lender’s reply, notice of possession, notice of sale and auction, valuation papers and auction documents, if applicable.
Prior Orders
Interim orders by DRT, stay orders passed, High Court orders or any other related judicial orders are to be filed together.
Evidence of Limitation
Email delivery receipt, certified copy details, download from any portal, acknowledgement or any other evidence of receipt of order from the DRT should be saved.
Deposit / Payment Evidence
If any amount has been deposited before DRT/ bank/ any other forum already, keep evidence of such deposit safe.
BK Singh Advocate normally finds that a clean chronological file is much more valuable than 50 random photographs sent on WhatsApp.
Can New Documents Be Filed at the Appellate Stage?
An DRAT appeal is not an opportunity to start anew. The record at the DRT is the natural starting point for the appellate record.
If a party wishes to rely on something extra, then legal and procedural issues come into play.
Inform counsel right away if there is an important document that you did not file before the DRT.
Don't hide that information.
BK Singh Advocate can then determine if and how to deal with the matter procedurally.
Can DRAT Allahabad Grant Interim Relief?
Interim Applications are permissible in appeal proceedings subject to nature of appeal and statutory scheme. See long list of Interim Applications scheduled along with Regular and Miscellaneous Appeals in 20 26 DRAT Allahabad cause lists. But interim relief is not granted as of right. Tribunal would examine the appeal alongwith the statute, record including urgency of matter and relief prayed for. If you are an appellant and there is auction, possession or other imminent action against you, give all dates and documentation to your lawyer right away. BK Singh Advocate would be able to tell you if an interim application is warranted in your appeal.
What Is the Limitation Period for a DRT Appeal?
You cannot give any useful answer without mentioning the statute.
For Section 18 SARFAESI appeal, the statute prescribes thirty days from the date of receipt of the DRT order.
For appeal under Section 20 RDB Act, the limitation period is also thirty days from receipt of order. Section 20 has built in provision for delayed appeal on sufficient cause being shown.
Do not figure limitation only from the date mentioned on the order copy without referring the provision governing the appeal and date of receipt of order.
Similarly, do not presume that talking to bank stops limitation.
BK Singh Advocate should get his order and receipt at the earliest.
When Should You Consult DRT Appeal Advocates in Allahabad?
Ideally, consultation should occur immediately following service of an unfavorable or otherwise appealable DRT order.
Typical scenarios are as follows:
- dismissal of a Securitisation Application;
- denial of prayed interim relief;
- an unfavorable final order in an OA;
- any order relating to possession/auction;
- findings against guarantor liability;
- an order relating to amount recoverable;
- denial of a material interim application;
- any order in which jurisdiction is challenged;
- an impending limitation bar; or
- a significant statutory pre-deposit requirement.
- Prompt consultation allows adequate time for counsel to read and understand the DRT order.
It also doesn't prejudice your position if it turns out that an appeal is not maintainable or the order cannot be overturned.
BK Singh Advocate can advise if the appropriate course is to appeal, seek another statutory remedy, comply with the order or take some other legal action based upon the facts.
How Can DRT Advocates Help With DRAT Allahabad Appeals?
DRT Advocates guide clients in recovery/ appellate tribunal litigation matters against borrowers, guarantors, secured creditors, mortgagors & corporate entities.
Nature of work may involve:
- analysing the challenged DRT order;
- determining applicable statute;
- checking limitation for appeal;
- determining implication of pre deposit of amount;
- going through OA or SA file;
- drafting grounds of appeal;
- arranging annexures and documents;
- determining need for interim- relief;
- appearing for the client during appeal hearings; and
- reviewing compromise proposals along with pending appeal.
Read more about the practice here DRT Advocates.
BK Singh Advocate makes no guarantee that just because an unfavorable order is passed by DRT it will be overturned on appeal. Result of the appeal depends on the statute, record, judgment/silence in impugned order, allowable grounds, observing conditions for appeal and order of Appellate Tribunal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the location of DRAT Allahabad?
As per current 2026 cause lists, DRAT Allahabad sits at: Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal Allahabad, First Floor, E-10 B Building, BSNL Premises, Patrika Marg, Prayagraj 211001.
It is advisable for parties to re-confirm location details with the tribunal notice or latest cause list before attending.
2. How many days do I have to file appeal against DRT order under SARFAESI?
Section 18 SARFAESI provides an appeal against an order made under Section 17 within thirty days from the date of receipt of such order.
BK Singh Advocate can review the order several weeks before the time bar expires.
3. Do I have to make pre-deposit in SARFAESI appeal?
Yes, in the case of a borrower appeal, Section 18 specifies a condition precedent of statutory pre-deposit.
The standard amount is 50% of the debt in question, although the Appellate Tribunal has discretion to lower the amount for reasons to be recorded, to a minimum of 25%.
4. Can DRAT waive pre-deposit SARFAESI in full?
Section 18 empowers the Appellate Tribunal to modify the pre-deposit amount, but the language setting the minimum at 25% is statutory.
The exact amount and computation/details will depend on the facts of the record.
5. Can banks file appeal against DRT order too?
Subject to the conditions discussed above, any aggrieved person would have an appellate remedy if the statute allows.
The conditions may vary depending on who is filing the appeal and under which statutory provision.
6. What is the SARFAESI Limitation under Section 20 RDB Act?
An appeal under Section 20 must typically be filed within thirty days from receipt of the order of the DRT.
Section 20(3) allows the Appellate Tribunal to entertain an appeal after the expiry of the 30 day limit if sufficient cause is shown.
7. Do all DRT appeals from Uttar Pradesh go to DRAT Allahabad?
DRAT Allahabad has jurisdiction to hear appeals from the Allahabad DRT and Lucknow DRT, but why is that?
This depends on the jurisdictional allocations of the DRATs and where the DRT petition was filed.
As of current DRAT Allahabad cause lists display matters from Allahabad & Lucknow, but jurisdiction should be double checked in individual cases.
8. Does DRAT Allahabad hear appeals from other states?
Yes, it appears on current cause lists that DRAT Allahabad hears appeals from DRT Jabalpur, DRT Ranchi and DRT Patna among others.
Please do not assume the forum based on state, check jurisdiction based on the DRT from where appeal was filed.
9. Can I file application for stay in DRAT?
DRAT Allahabad does hear applications on an interim basis.
The availability of a stay or other form of interim relief would depend on the statute, grounds, record and decision of the Appellate Tribunal.
10. When should I call my DRT Appeal Lawyers in Allahabad?
Reach out to lawyer as soon as you receive the DRT order if you intend to challenge the decision.
BK Singh Advocate can guide you on the order, origin petition, limitation period, pre-deposit risk and which route to take to appeal before preparing an appeal.
Final Thoughts
Appealing to DRT is NOT a rehashing of your case to a slightly larger tribunal.
The Appellant Order
Appeal starts with the Order appealed from.
Read it. Note the Statute. Check the Receipt Date. Confirm jurisdiction of the DRAT. Know if pre deposit is applicable.
Section 18 of SARFAESI provides both the Thirty day Appellate timeline and lays down the Substantial borrower pre deposit scheme.
Sections 20 & 21 of Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Appellate Tribunal Act, 1993 lay down the appellate mechanism and the pre deposit requirement respectively for RDB Act appeals.
Scanning through current orders of the 2026 tribunal,I see DRAT Allahabad hearing Regular appeals,Miscellaneous Appeals and IA’s from multiple DRT benches.
Consultation about reading DRT orders, bank recovery cases and SARFAESI matters to ascertain if a statutory appeal is available and what legal parameters to look out for is possible with BK Singh Advocate.
Don’t wait for the bank to call you before reading the order
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