PRESS RELEASE

The Hon'ble Chief Justice of Bhutan Inaugurates Debt Recovery Tribunal in Thimphu

Hon'ble Chief Justice of Bhutan, Lyonpo Norbu Tshering, today inaugurated the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), a dedicated and centralised forum for financial institutional loan recovery matters.

The Tribunal has been established following Royal Assent from His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo. The National Judicial Commission submitted the recommendation under Article 21(2) of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The Judiciary of Bhutan is deeply grateful for His Majesty's wisdom, guidance and care for the nation's institutions and its people.

Financial Institutional loan recovery cases have risen steadily across the country. In October 2025, the Judiciary began a study of the institutional loan recovery cases handled by the courts. The study found a significant concentration of these cases, which places a heavy burden on ordinary judicial resources. Prolonged recovery delays tie up capital, impose costs on Financial Service Providers, constrain private sector credit and weigh on the nation's economy.

The Tribunal will exercise Dzongkhag-level jurisdiction over financial institutional loan recovery matters. It will hear cases under Rules framed specifically for it, so that its procedures suit the nature of debt recovery. Fairness to borrowers and lenders alike, due process and reasoned decisions will remain the foundation of every outcome.

The Tribunal is located on the 2nd Floor of Norbuling Building, Norzin Lam, Thimphu, next to Kaja Throm.

The Judiciary remains committed to timely, impartial and well-reasoned justice that upholds the rule of law on which Bhutan's economy depends.