PROCEDURE FOLLOWED FOR OBTAINING PHYSICAL POSSESION FROM CHIEF METROPLTIAN MAGISTRATE UNDER SECTION 14 OF SARFAESI Act.
There are about 11 Chief Metropolitan Magistrates at
Where an immoveable property secured to the Bank is occupied by the Borrower or is let out by him, the Bank approaches the Jurisdictional CMM under section 14 of SARFAESI Act.The Authorized Officer prefers an application / request to the Jurisdictional CMM. The jurisdiction of the CMM is determined on the basis of the Jurisdictional Police Station where the immoveable property is situated.
The registry of the court (CMM) numbers the request / application as C.Misc No……of……..
One date is fixed for the Authorised Officer to appear Before the CMM with originals of:
a) Title deed establishing the Borrower’s title to the immoveable Property
b) Upto date Encumbrance Certificate of the immoveable property
c) Possession Notice, Paper Publication and service by Registered Post & evidence of affixing the notice on the conspicuous portion of the property.
After being satisfied that the Bank has followed the prescribed procedure, the CMM will issue a direction to the Jurisdictional Police Station to assist the Bank-secured Creditor to obtain Physical/actual possession. The CMM order also authorizes breaking open of the Lock if necessary.
With this order (certified copy) in hand a letter is addressed to the Jurisdictional Police station informing the SHO about the date on which the Authorised Officer will proceed to take Physical Possession. [Copy of the CMM order is enclosed for reference of the Police]. On that day with the help of Police Officials the Physical possession is obtained.
Physical Possession is obtained and a Mahazar is drawn up.
The above procedure does not provide for issuance of notice to Respondents or occupants of the property. Hence, no notice of the proceedings before CMM is served either on the mortgagor or any person in occupation of the immoveable property. Section 14 is only a step-in-aid for Authorised Officer to take physical possession.
QUESTIONS: 1.Whether section 14 is a due process of Law or merely a procedure established by Law?
2. Can a Tenant/occupant be evicted under section 14 without prefering suit/proceedings for eviction in a civil court?
3. As the Bank does not step into the shoe of the Landlord / mortgagor, can it maintain a suit for eviction against the tenant? if not, is the Bank driven to sell the propety on "As is where is Basis" so that the Purchaser steps into the shoe of the Landlord to maintain eviction case.
4. Against the order of CMM [under section 14]: What is the remedy for the Tenant? Can he invoke the Writ jurisdiction or approach DRT or Civil court for stay?