'Ensure Smooth Conduct Of National Lok Adalat For Traffic Challan Settlement; Access To Justice Must Not Be Hindered': Patna HC
The Patna High Court has issued a series of directions to ensure smooth and orderly conduct of the upcoming National Lok Adalat for disposal of traffic challan matters, emphasising that access to courts must remain unhindered and that arrangements must be made to handle the expected large footfall.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo and Justice Harish Kumar was hearing a writ petition concerning the framework for settlement and compounding of traffic challans in the State of Bihar.
On the previous date of hearing, the Court had noted the submission of the Advocate General that Cabinet approval was necessary for issuance of a notification fixing the amount payable under settlement or compounding for various offences, and had been assured that necessary steps would be taken.
Pursuant to the said direction, a supplementary counter affidavit was filed on behalf of the State, stating that the proposed “One Time Traffic Challan Settlement Scheme, 2026” has been notified after due process and Cabinet approval, vide Notification No. 3261 dated 30.04.2026, and has also been published in the e-gazette.
Taking note of the said notification and the likelihood of a large number of people approaching courts to avail the scheme during the National Lok Adalat scheduled on 09.05.2026, the Court observed that appropriate arrangements must be made to avoid inconvenience to the public.
The Court, referring to suggestions made by the Member Secretary of the Bihar State Legal Services Authority, expected that District Magistrates in each district shall coordinate with the Senior Superintendent of Police or Superintendent of Police and consult the Principal District and Sessions Judges to identify suitable spaces near court complexes, particularly where existing infrastructure is insufficient, so that persons attending the Lok Adalat do not face difficulty.
The Court further directed that arrangements must be made to ensure that challan amounts are not collected in cash and that online payment facilities are available. It was also directed that registered vehicle owners against whom challans have been issued should be informed within two days through mobile phones or other contact details regarding the reduced settlement amount, along with the date, time and venue of the Lok Adalat, and that they should carry valid identification such as Aadhaar card.
In order to manage the anticipated crowd, the Court directed that adequate security arrangements be put in place, including deployment of police personnel, installation of CCTV cameras, and creation of proper parking facilities. It was also observed that help and coordination desks should be set up for verification of documents such as registration certificates, driving licences and challan notices, and that external agents should not be allowed to interfere with the settlement process.
The Advocate General submitted that steps would be taken to publicise the scheme through prominent English and Hindi newspapers as well as electronic platforms by 06.05.2026, and the Court expressed its expectation that the suggestions made for effective implementation would be adhered to.
The Court further directed that on the next date of hearing, the State shall place on record complete data regarding disposal of traffic challan matters in the National Lok Adalat held on 09.05.2026, including the total amount collected and steps taken to ensure its successful conduct.
The matter has been directed to be listed on 22.06.2026.
Case Title: Rani @ Rani Tiwari v. State of Bihar.
Case No.: Civil Writ Jurisdiction Case No. 20071 of 2025.
Appearance: Mr. Vikash Kumar Pankaj appeared for the Petitioner, Advocate General P.K. Shahi, along with Mr. P.K. Verma and Mr. Sanjay Kumar Ghosarvey appeared for the State.