Govt. Mandates e-Filing in DRT Cases Under RDB and SARFAESI Acts

Notification No. G.S.R. 403(E); Dated: 23.06.2025

The Ministry of Finance has officially notified the Debts Recovery Tribunals and Debts Recovery Appellate Tribunals Electronic Filing (Amendment) Rules, 2025, marking a significant shift towards digitisation in the adjudication process under financial recovery laws.

1. Mandatory e-Filing of Pleadings Under Recovery Laws

Under the amended rules, it is now mandatory for applicants to file all pleadings related to specific provisions under the following legislations through electronic mode:

• Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993 (RDB Act)
• Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI Act)

These pleadings must be submitted via the e-DRT system, which is the designated digital platform for filing and managing proceedings before the Debts Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) and Debts Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRATs).

2. Availability of SOP on e-DRT Portal

To facilitate the transition and ensure procedural clarity, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been made available on the official e-DRT portal. The SOP provides:

• Step-by-step guidance on how to file documents electronically
• Format requirements and technical specifications
• Compliance instructions for legal practitioners and applicants

3. Objective and Implications

This amendment aims to:

• Enhance efficiency and transparency in the functioning of DRTs and DRATs
• Streamline litigation processes through technology-driven infrastructure
• Promote ease of access and reduce physical dependency in debt recovery proceedings

4. Compliance for Stakeholders

All stakeholders, including financial institutions, legal representatives, and individual applicants, are now required to:

• Familiarise themselves with the e-DRT system
• Follow the updated filing procedure as outlined in the SOP
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of pleadings in electronic form

5. Conclusion

The 2025 amendment marks a progressive move by the Ministry towards a paperless adjudication system in the realm of financial recovery laws. Adhering to the updated filing norms will be crucial for ensuring the admissibility and effectiveness of proceedings before the DRTs and DRATs.

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