Under Section 19(5), in exceptional cases the Presiding

Solution

Section 19(5)(i) provides that the defendant must file the written statement within 30 days from service of summons. The proviso allows the Presiding Officer, in exceptional cases and in special circumstances to be recorded in writing, to extend the period by not more than fifteen days. The maximum total time is therefore 30 + 15 = 45 days. The requirement to record reasons in writing ensures judicial accountability and prevents routine extensions. The strict timelines throughout Section 19 reflect the legislative intent of providing banks with an expeditious mechanism to recover dues, which was the primary purpose of establishing DRTs.