The National Lok Adalat 2025, which is scheduled for September 13, will provide vehicle owners across India with an opportunity to clear pending traffic e-challans. Organized under the Legal Services Authorities Act, the initiative aims to ease the burden of minor disputes on courts while offering citizens a simple and cost-effective way to settle challans. The Lok Adalat primarily covers common traffic violations such as driving without a seat belt or helmet, over-speeding, missing Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, wrong parking, and ignoring traffic signs.
Owners of vehicles can also settle cases of incorrectly issued challans. Relief will come in the form of reduced fines or complete waivers, depending on the case.
However, the scheme excludes serious offences like drunk driving, hit-and-run cases, negligent driving leading to death, racing, and driving by minors. Also, vehicles used in criminal activities will not be considered.
Cases already pending in courts or challans issued in states other than the one hosting the Lok Adalat are also outside its scope.
To make use of the National Lok Adalat, vehicle owners need to complete an online registration before the hearing date. The general steps are as follows -
1. Verify pending challans: Check the status of your traffic challans on your state traffic police website or through the Parivahan portal.
2. Register online: Go to the website of your State Legal Services Authority. For Delhi, visit the Delhi Traffic Police website and access the Lok Adalat registration option.
3. Get token and appointment letter: After submitting vehicle and challan details, you will be issued a token number along with a confirmation slip or appointment letter. Download and keep a printed copy.
4. Attend the Lok Adalat session: On September 13, bring the appointment letter, token, and original documents such as vehicle papers and challan receipts to the assigned court venue.
5. Settlement and payment: Your case will be taken up by the Lok Adalat bench. Depending on eligibility, the fine may be lowered or waived. Pay the revised amount at the counter and collect the official receipt.
