Yes, a recovery suit can be filed against relatives or friends who have borrowed money, provided that certain legal conditions are met. While family and friends may often have informal agreements, a legal recovery suit can still be initiated based on the nature of the agreement and the circumstances of the loan. Here are the key aspects to consider: 1. Existence of a Legal Agreement If there is a written agreement (like a loan agreement or promissory note), it strengthens your case. A verbal agreement can also be valid, but it may be harder to prove. If the loan was given without any written document, the lender would need to rely on evidence such as bank transfers, receipts, or witnesses to prove that the money was lent and not a gift. 2. Proof of Loan Bank transactions: If the money was transferred through a bank, the transaction records serve as proof of the loan. Acknowledgment of debt: If the borrower has acknowledged the debt in writing (even via email, text message, or other communication), it can be used as evidence in court. Promissory note: A signed promissory note is a formal document in which the borrower agrees to repay the loan on specified terms. 3. Recovery Procedure under Indian Law Civil Suit for Recovery: If the borrower does not repay, a civil suit for recovery can be filed in the relevant District Court or Small Causes Court, depending on the amount involved. Summary Suit (Order 37 of CPC): If the loan is evidenced by a written document (like a promissory note or a written acknowledgment), a summary suit under Order 37 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC) can be filed for a quicker resolution. 4. Legal Notice Before filing a suit, it is customary to send a legal notice demanding repayment. The notice should give the borrower a certain period (usually 15–30 days) to repay the debt. If the borrower fails to repay after receiving the legal notice, the lender can proceed with filing the recovery suit. 5. Defenses that the Borrower Might Raise The borrower might claim that the money was not a loan but a gift or that they have already repaid the loan. They may also argue that the loan was given on unreasonable terms or with unfair interest, which can lead to delays or challenges in the recovery process. 6. Limitations There is a time limit to file a recovery suit. Generally, under the Limitation Act, 1963, the time limit for filing a suit for recovery of money is three years from the date the loan became due for repayment (the date the borrower defaults). Conclusion: A recovery suit can certainly be filed against relatives or friends who have borrowed money, provided there is evidence of the loan and the borrower has failed to repay. While it may be difficult to take legal action against close relations, the law allows you to recover your dues through civil legal procedures, ensuring that your rights are protected. However, it is always advisable to attempt resolving the matter amicably first before resorting to legal proceedings.