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HC orders immediate notification to clear 278,000 pending traffic challans via lok adalat
A Bihar High Court division bench directed the transport secretary to appear virtually and provide progress on a one-time settlement scheme to clear 278,000 pending traffic challans via lok adalats. The court noted existing practices in other states and ordered an affidavit detailing steps including issuing the notification, with a next hearing set for April 27, 2026.
Why It Matters
The ruling aims to rapidly reduce a large backlog of traffic challans and streamline disposal through lok adalats, potentially reducing penalties through notification-based settlements as used in other states.
Timeline
4 Events
Next hearing set for April 27; affidavit to detail steps including issuing notification
April 22, 2026
The court fixed April 27 as the next hearing date and directed the filing of an affidavit detailing steps taken, including issuing the notification.
Directions during hearing: transport secretary to appear virtually and update on one-time settlement scheme
April 21, 2026
During the hearing, a division bench instructed the transport secretary to appear virtually and update the court on progress regarding the proposed one-time settlement scheme for eligible traffic challan cases, and to file an affidavit detailing steps including issuing the notification.
Interim order uploaded; 278,000 traffic challans pending in Bihar
April 21, 2026
In its interim order uploaded on Tuesday, the court noted that approximately 2.78 lakh (278,000) traffic challans are currently pending across Bihar.
Writ petition filed by Rani in November 2025
November 2025
The writ petition was filed by Rani, a Patna resident, seeking removal of procedural hurdles in disposing of traffic challan cases through lok adalats.