Level in the hierarchy
The Debts Recovery Tribunal (DRT) is the forum of first instance for recovery applications by banks and financial institutions and for securitisation applications by aggrieved borrowers. The Debts Recovery Appellate Tribunal (DRAT) hears appeals from orders of the DRTs falling within its territorial jurisdiction.
Nature of the exercise
A DRT records and appreciates evidence and decides the application before it. A DRAT primarily reviews the correctness and legality of the order appealed against.
Deposit conditions
Statutory provisions may require an appellant borrower to deposit a portion of the amount in question before an appeal is entertained, with limited power in the appellate tribunal to reduce or waive it in accordance with law.
Timelines
Both stages carry limitation periods. Missing a limitation period can be fatal to a remedy, so dates on orders and the date of receipt should be recorded carefully.
General information only. This content is not a substitute for advice from a qualified advocate.
General information only. This content is not a substitute for advice from a qualified advocate. No outcome is guaranteed.