SARFAESI Act

Full form: Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act

Loans & Credit

SARFAESI Act (2002) allows banks and financial institutions to recover non-performing loans by taking possession of the mortgaged asset without court intervention. If you default on a secured loan and the account becomes NPA, the bank can auction your property after giving proper notices.

In detail

SARFAESI process:n1. Loan account classified as NPA (90 days overdue)n2. Bank issues Section 13(2) notice giving 60 days to repayn3. If unpaid: bank takes symbolic possession (Section 13(4)) -- notice at propertyn4. Bank takes physical possession, values the propertyn5. E-auction held on bank website / NARCLn6. Proceeds used to repay outstanding loann7. Surplus (if any) given to borrowernnNot applicable: loans below Rs 1L, agricultural land

Real-life example

🇮🇳 India example

Rohit defaulted on Rs 40L home loan for 8 months (NPA after 3 months). Bank issued SARFAESI notice. He had 60 days to repay. When unable: bank attached property notice board. E-auction conducted -- property sold for Rs 55L. Bank recovered Rs 40L + Rs 3L outstanding interest + Rs 1L legal costs = Rs 44L. Rohit received Rs 11L surplus.

Frequently asked questions

Can I stop a SARFAESI auction?
Options: (1) Repay the full outstanding immediately, (2) Challenge the valuation in Debt Recovery Tribunal if property is significantly under-valued, (3) One-Time Settlement (OTS) with the bank, (4) Find a buyer willing to pay more than auction price before auction date.