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Patna HC Paves Way for Traffic Challan Amnesty: Detailed Directives for Mega Lok Adalat
In a timely intervention ahead of the National Lok Adalat on , the has rolled out meticulous guidelines to ensure seamless settlement of pending traffic challans under Bihar's newly notified
. A Division Bench led by
Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo
and
Justice Harish Kumar
, hearing
Rani @ Rani Tiwari v. State of Bihar & Ors.
(CWJC No. 20071 of 2025), emphasized that
"
"
and must not be compromised by logistical hurdles.
The court commended the State for promptly notifying the scheme post-Cabinet approval but focused on practical execution to handle anticipated massive turnouts at district courts.
Writ Sparks State Action on Pendency Crisis
The petition, filed by Rani @ Rani Tiwari, highlighted the urgent need for a structured framework to compound and settle traffic violations, including e-challans, amid ballooning pendency. Earlier hearings revealed the Advocate General's assurance that Cabinet nod was required to fix settlement amounts, modeled partly on Odisha's approach.
By , the court set a deadline for notification. True to its word, the State filed a supplementary counter-affidavit via Under Secretary Raghubir Mandal, confirming Notification No. 3261 dated . This e-gazetted scheme slashes penalties for eligible challans, targeting disposal in the upcoming Lok Adalat. Directions were issued to traffic police, District Magistrates, and Legal Services Authorities, with widespread publicity via newspapers and digital channels.
State's Compliance Meets Court's Proactive Vision
While petitioner arguments centered on delays in settlement mechanisms, the respondents underscored procedural hurdles like Cabinet approval and drew parallels with other states' initiatives. The court noted the scheme's circulation to key officials and publicity efforts, including letters to the Information and Public Relations Department for three-day newspaper ads.
Drawing from Member Secretary Dharmendra Kumar Singh of the , who appeared in court, the bench incorporated 11 practical suggestions for data segregation, real-time verification, multi-mode notices (SMS, WhatsApp), help desks, and queue management.
Blueprint for Orderly Justice Amid Expected Rush
The court envisioned district-level coordination: District Magistrates to team up with police heads and Principal District Judges to secure venues near court complexes if space is tight. Key mandates include:
- No cash collections : Mandate online payment portals.
- Owner notifications : Transport Department to SMS details of reduced amounts, Lok Adalat date (May 9), venue, and ID requirements (e.g., Aadhaar) within two days.
- Security & logistics : Police deployment, CCTV, parking, token systems, and bans on external agents.
- Help desks : For document checks (RC, licenses, challans) with para-legal volunteers.
The Advocate General committed to ads in English/Hindi papers and digital platforms by May 6. Reports confirm similar schemes in states like Odisha have spurred high disposal rates.
Key Observations
The bench highlighted pivotal insights:
" ."
"District Magistrates... shall work in tandem with the Senior Superintendent of Police/ Superintendent of Police and in consultation with the Principal District and Session Judges... so that it can be ensured that the persons coming to attend the National Lok Adalat... will face no inconvenience."
"The public shall not be asked to deposit the challan amount by cash, but they can avail the online deposit facilities."
"The Court deems it appropriate to place on record its appreciation for the prompt and proactive efforts of the State Government... Such timely intervention reflects a constructive and cooperative approach towards the administration of justice."
These quotes underscore the court's balance of urgency and facilitation.
Road Ahead: Data-Driven Review on June 22
No final disposal yet—the matter lists for , with the Transport Department affidavit-bound to report disposal stats, collections, and implementation steps from the May 9 event. An in-person intervenor, Kumar Saurabh, may raise ancillary issues via affidavit.
This order not only clears a pendency hurdle but sets a template for mass adjudication, potentially easing Bihar's traffic violation backlog and reinforcing Lok Adalat's role in accessible justice. Free copies of the order go to the Advocate General and all district judges for swift rollout.
