Tahsildar must implement Section 14 SARFAESI possession orders within 45 days, absent legal impediment.

The Bank initiated enforcement proceedings under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (“SARFAESI Act”) after the borrower’s account was classified as a non-performing asset.

Following notices under Section 13(2) and the possession notice, the Bank obtained an order under Section 14 from the District Magistrate on 23 July 2026.

It alleged that the Tahsildar had not taken consequential steps to secure possession despite the Bank’s representations, and sought a direction for implementation of the order

The State did not oppose a direction requiring the Tahsildar to act within a reasonable timeframe

Whether the concerned revenue authorities had failed to take consequential steps to implement the District Magistrate’s order under Section 14 of the SARFAESI Act

Whether the Tahsildar should be directed to implement that order and take steps to hand over possession of the secured asset within a specified period

The Court considered Sections 13(2) and 14 of the SARFAESI Act, 2002.

The judgment proceeded on the basis that, once an order under Section 14 has been passed, consequential steps to obtain possession may be taken by the concerned authorities in accordance with law, subject to any legal impediment or stay order.

The Court noted that the Bank had obtained a Section 14 order and that its grievance concerned the absence of consequential action by the Tahsildar despite representations.

Given the State’s no-objection to a time-bound direction, the Court directed implementation of the order, while qualifying that direction by requiring compliance with law and making it subject to any legal impediment or stay by a competent court or authority.

The Court expressed no opinion on the merits and required the authority to proceed in accordance with law.