E-Filing Now Mandatory for Debt Recovery and Appellate Tribunals: Finance Ministry [Read Notification]

The amendment replaces Rule 4 of the 2020 rules and now requires that all pleadings filed under the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993 and the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 must be submitted electronically via the e-DRT system.

The move is aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing paperwork, and streamlining case management in Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) and Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRATs).

Step by Step Guide of Preparing Company Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Account Click Here

According to the revised rule:

“Pleadings as prescribed for specific purposes under the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993 and the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 shall be filed by an applicant in electronic form, through the e-DRT system. The Standard Operating Procedure (User Manual) is available on the e-DRT portal.”

The amendment takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette that is, June 23, 2025.

This is the third amendment to the original e-filing rules notified on January 22, 2020 (G.S.R. 43(E)). Earlier amendments were issued in July 2021 and January 2023, reflecting the government's ongoing push toward digitalization in judicial and quasi-judicial forums.

The original e-filing rules were introduced on January 22, 2020 via G.S.R. 43(E) to promote paperless proceedings. They have since been amended twice, first in July 2021 and again in January 2023 to expand their scope and refine procedures.

Complete Ready to Use PDFs of 200+ Agreements Click here

With the current amendment, the transition to a fully digital system becomes mandatory rather than optional, signifying a critical policy shift in how financial disputes are managed and resolved through quasi-judicial bodies.

The rule has been notified under the powers conferred by clause (ccd) of sub-section (2) of Section 36 of the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993, which allows the Central Government to frame rules for the operation of debt recovery institutions.

The rule change was issued under File No. 3/5/2021-DRT and signed by Sudhir Shyam, Economic Advisor to the Government of India.

Support our journalism by subscribing to Taxscanpremium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates