#time-bound enforcement

Bombay High Court reinforces that District Magistrates must dispose of Section 14 SARFAESI Act applications within 30 days, treating it as a ministerial duty. The ruling underscores strict timelines for secured creditors, ensuring expedited enforcement of security interests without adjudicatory delays.

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has ruled that District Magistrates have a mandatory, time-bound ministerial duty to decide Section 14 SARFAESI Act applications within 60 days of filing. Delay beyond this period constitutes statutory non-performance, entitling secured creditors to immediate writ relief and rendering inaction legally untenable.