Can Title Be Claimed on Property Sold by DRT Under SARFAESI Act?

In the complex world of secured lending and debt recovery in India, the SARFAESI Act, 2002 (Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act), empowers banks and financial institutions to recover dues by selling mortgaged properties without court intervention. But what happens when a property is sold by the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) under this Act, and someone later claims title to it? Can such a claim be pursued in a civil court, or is there a statutory bar?

This question—Can title be claimed on a property which has been sold by DRT under SARFAESI Act?—arises frequently in property disputes involving borrowers, guarantors, third parties, and auction purchasers. Understanding the legal framework is crucial for anyone navigating these issues. This post breaks down the provisions, judicial precedents, exceptions, and practical recommendations. Note: This is general information and not specific legal advice. Consult a qualified lawyer for your case.

Legal Framework of SARFAESI Act and DRT's Role

The SARFAESI Act streamlines debt recovery for secured creditors. Under Section 13, banks issue notices to defaulting borrowers, and if unresolved, take possession (Section 13(4)). Sales can occur via public auction, and disputes are adjudicated by the DRT under Section 172012 0 Supreme(Mad) 3839.

Key provisions include:- Section 17: Empowers DRT to handle challenges to measures under Section 13(4), including sale validity, possession, and party rights 2018 0 Supreme(P&H) 1009.- Section 34: Bars civil courts from entertaining suits on matters within DRT's jurisdiction 2012 0 Supreme(Ker) 46.

The DRT has authority to determine title and possession issues for properties sold under SARFAESI 2018 0 Supreme(P&H) 1009. As one ruling notes, The DRT has the authority to determine issues related to title and possession of properties sold under the SARFAESI Act 2018 0 Supreme(P&H) 1009.

Are Title Claims Maintainable Post-SARFAESI Sale?

Generally, no—title claims on properties sold under SARFAESI are not maintainable in civil courts. The appropriate forum is the DRT 2018 0 Supreme(P&H) 1009 2016 0 Supreme(Del) 2231.

Why DRT, Not Civil Courts?

• Claims adverse to the mortgage title must be raised in DRT 2016 0 Supreme(Del) 2231.
• Civil suits are barred by Section 34. For instance, It is strongly contended that this suit is barred by Section 34 of the SARFAESI Act and if the plaintiffs have any grievance, they have to approach the DRT under Section 17 of the SARFAESI Act 2024 0 Supreme(AP) 1288.
• Even partition suits post-sale are barred 2021 0 Supreme(Mad) 3330.

If proceedings are pending in DRT, title issues must be resolved there 2012 0 Supreme(Ker) 46. The principle of estoppel applies: A party executing a sale deed cannot later challenge the purchaser's title if the sale followed SARFAESI 2020 0 Supreme(Del) 398.

Exceptions: When Civil Courts May Entertain Claims

While the bar is strong, exceptions exist, particularly for fraud or procedural violations:- Fraud Allegations: If the sale involved fraud, like complicit bank officials or fraudulent documents, civil courts may have jurisdiction. It is further stated that the bank officials were complicit in the fraud and sold the property without proper title, and the documents created by the defendants were fraudulent, Section 17 of the SARFAESI Act is not applicable 2025 Supreme(Online)(TEL) 4599.- Procedural Lapses: Sales violating mandatory rules (e.g., improper notice publication or undervaluation) may allow civil suits if not covered by DRT remedies 2025 0 Supreme(Kar) 937. The sale notice dated 20.10.2008 was published at Mumbai, which is in violation of mandatory provisions of SARFAESI Act 2025 0 Supreme(Kar) 937.- Limited DRT Scope: DRT cannot conduct full CPC trials; for certain reliefs outside SARFAESI, civil courts remain open 2023 Supreme(Online)(DEL) 4964. The jurisdiction of the DRT is limited and circumscribed by the provisions of the SARFAESI Act 2023 Supreme(Online)(DEL) 4964.

However, courts emphasize finality once a sale certificate is issued. On the receipt of the auction bid amount, the sale certificate has been issued in favour of the auction purchaser 2022 0 Supreme(Del) 1316. Title suits filed parallelly are often dismissed 2024 0 Supreme(Pat) 1056 2024 0 Supreme(Pat) 1160.

Practical Implications and Case Examples

Consider scenarios from precedents:1. Post-Sale Title Suit: A title suit (No. 595 of 2017) against NPA declaration and SARFAESI notice was filed while bank sold the property—DRT/DRAT handles appeals under Section 17(7) 2024 0 Supreme(Pat) 1056.2. Third-Party Claims: Borrowers selling portions earlier don't override SARFAESI sales; disputes go to DRT 2024 0 Supreme(AP) 1288.3. Auction Purchaser Protection: Possession handed over post-auction reinforces buyer rights 2022 0 Supreme(Del) 1316.

The expression ‘any person’ in Section 17 includes guarantors or affected parties, barring even partition suits 2021 0 Supreme(Mad) 3330. Yet, if relief can't be granted by DRT, Section 34 doesn't bar civil courts entirely 2021 0 Supreme(Bom) 63. No doubt, any person can approach the DRT under section 17... but if any particular relief... can be granted by DRT... His remedy before the civil Court... is clearly not barred 2021 0 Supreme(Bom) 63.

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

• Primary Remedy: Approach DRT under Section 17 for title/possession disputes post-SARFAESI sale 2018 0 Supreme(P&H) 1009.
• Avoid Civil Courts Initially: Suits are typically dismissed for want of jurisdiction 2024 0 Supreme(AP) 1288 2012 0 Supreme(Ker) 46.
• Gather Evidence: For fraud claims, document violations meticulously 2025 Supreme(Online)(TEL) 4599.
• Timelines Matter: Act swiftly, as sales finalize quickly.

Recommendations:- File directly with DRT for SARFAESI-related grievances.- Prepare comprehensive documentation for DRT review.- For non-SARFAESI issues (e.g., pre-mortgage title), civil courts may apply.

Conclusion

Title claims on properties sold by DRT under SARFAESI are typically pursued through DRT, not civil courts, due to Sections 17 and 34. While fraud or irregularities may open civil doors, the Act prioritizes efficient recovery and auction finality 2016 0 Supreme(Del) 2231 2018 0 Supreme(P&H) 1009 2020 0 Supreme(Del) 398. Borrowers, purchasers, and claimants should prioritize DRT to avoid jurisdictional dismissals. Stay informed on evolving jurisprudence, as courts balance creditor rights with fairness.

Word count: 1028. Sources referenced are judicial documents for illustrative purposes.

2016 0 Supreme(Del) 2231 2012 0 Supreme(Ker) 46 2018 0 Supreme(P&H) 1009 2020 0 Supreme(Del) 398 2024 0 Supreme(AP) 1288 2025 0 Supreme(Kar) 937 2023 Supreme(Online)(DEL) 4964 2024 0 Supreme(Pat) 1056 2024 0 Supreme(Pat) 1160 2025 Supreme(Online)(TEL) 4599 2022 0 Supreme(Del) 1316 2021 0 Supreme(Mad) 3330 2021 0 Supreme(Bom) 63