ORAL ORDER

Sangam Kumar Sahoo, C.J.

1. Mr. Raj Kumar, Secretary, Department of Transport is present virtually.

2. Mr. Dharmendra Kumar Singh, learned Member Secretary, Bihar State Legal Services Authority is also present in Court.

3. When the matter was taken up on 27.04.2026, we passed the following order, the relevant part of which are as follows:-

                  “5. At this stage, the learned Advocate General stated that a Cabinet approval is necessary for issuing such notification and fixing the amount payable under settlement or compounding for different sections which deals with different offences. He has assured this Court that he shall do the needful in the meantime and apprise this Court on the next date.

                  6. In view of such submission made by the learned Advocate General, list this matter on 04.05.2026 and this Court expects that by the next date, the proposed notification which has been highlighted in our previous order dated 20.04.2026 shall be published and brought on record by way of on affidavit by the Secretary of the Department of Transport, Government of Bihar, Patna.”

4. In terms of such order, supplementary counter affidavit has been filed on behalf of respondent nos. 4 to 6 by one ‘Raghubir Mandal’, Under Secretary, Transport Department, Government of Bihar in which it is stated as follows:-

                  “5. That it is stated and submitted that in compliance of the Order passed by the Hon'ble High Court the proposed Notification i.e. 'One Time Traffic Challan Settlement Scheme, 2026' for disposal of eligible traffic challan matters in the National Lok Adalat, 2026 has been notified after following the due process and getting approval of Cabinet vide Notification No.3261 dated 30.04.2026. It is also informed that e- gazette has also been published and a copy of the same is brought before this Hon'ble High Court.

                  6. That it is humbly informed the Hon'ble High Court that to facilitate the disposal of the eligible Traffic Challan matters, particularly through the upcoming next National Lok Adalat several States have passed Notification including the State of Odisha. The State of Bihar has fixed the compoundable/settlement amount as 'One Time Traffic Challan Settlement Scheme, 2026' to facilitate for disposal of Traffic Challan including e-challan, pending in huge number mainly considering the compoundable/settlement amount, fixed by the Govt. of Odisha.

                  7. That it is humbly submitted that the copy of the Notification has been sent to the Additional Director General of Police (Traffic), Bihar, Learned Member Secretary, Bihar Legal Services Authority, all District Magistrates as well as the concerned Officers of the Department vide Letter no.3280 dated 30.04.2026, requesting therein to take appropriate action and steps by issuing directions for disposal of the pending Traffic Challan. Apart from this all the District Transport Officers (DTOS) have already been directed to support the concerned Officers and District Legal Services Authorities so that Traffic Challan including e-challan matters may be taken up and disposed of in the next National Lok Adalat and huge pendency of e-challan can be reduced accordingly.

                  8. That it is stated and submitted that with a purpose of mass awareness and publicity of the new notified 'One Time Traffic Challan Settlement Scheme, 2026' is being circulated at wide scale through Letter no.3282 dated 30.04.2026 by publishing in the daily newspapers. In this regard vide Letter No.3281 dated 30.04.2026 a letter has been sent to the Director, I & PRD, requesting therein to publish this 'One Time Traffic Challan Settlement Scheme, 2026' in daily Newspapers for the next three days.

                  9. That in the facts and circumstances above-mentioned evidently the Respondents have taken several positive steps including the publication of the Notification namely 'One Time Traffic Challan Settlement Scheme, 2026' after due Cabinet approval for disposal of eligible Traffic Challan matters with wide circulation of the same in compliance of the Orders passed by the Hon'ble Court and for the benefit of public as well.”

5. The Gazette Notification dated 30.04.2026 published by the State of Bihar is reproduced in its entirety hereinbelow:-

                 

                 

                

                 

6. The learned Member Secretary, BSLSA, has given the following suggestions for effective disposal of the traffic challan matters in the upcoming National Lok Adalat:-

                  “1. Cases may be systematically identified and segregated, particularly distinguishing between long- pending challans (beyond 90 days) and recently generated ones, coupled with complete data verification and system readiness to ensure accuracy and real- time accessibility for expeditious disposal.

                  2. In respect of challans pending for more than 90 days, the Transport Department / concerned authority shall ensure that complete case records (physical and digitally accessible) are transmitted/placed before the concerned courts dealing with such matters prior to the Lok Adalat, so as to enable effective adjudication and disposal on the day.

                  3. The system shall reflect the correct status of each challan and enable automatic computation of reduced penalty in accordance with the applicable scheme.

                  4. Real-time access to the updated database shall be provided to authorised officials to facilitate on-the- spot verification and expeditious disposal of cases.

                  5. Notices may be issued in a targeted manner to concerned vehicle owners, clearly indicating the challan details, original penalty, reduced amount under the scheme, and the date and venue of the Lok Adalat, so as to ensure informed participation.

                  6. A multi-mode communication strategy may be adopted, including telephonic outreach and digital messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and SMS, supported by a standardized format to maintain uniformity and clarity in dissemination.

                  7. Adequate Public awareness and outreach mechanisms may be adopted, including local announcements, display of posters at prominent public locations (petrol pumps, parking areas, DTO offices), and use of social media and digital platforms to maximize public participation in the settlement process.

                  8. Help and Coordination Desk at Lok Adalat venues may be established, staffed with Para Legal Volunteers, panel advocates, and departmental representatives, to assist litigants in locating cases, understanding the scheme, and facilitating smooth disposal.

                  9. Proper queue and crowd management systems may be implemented, including token mechanisms, separate counters for different categories of cases, and installation of display boards for guidance of litigants.

                  10. The State Transport Department may issue necessary directions to all District Transport Officers (DTOs) for effective implementation of the “Ekmusht Yatayat Challan Niptana Yojna, 2026” in the context of the National Lok Adalat.

                  11. The A.D.G. (Traffic) may issue appropriate directions of all Superintendents of Police (Traffic) to ensure proper co-ordination, mobilization and smooth disposal of traffic challan matters during the Lok Adalat.”

7. In view of the gazette notification dated 30.04.2026 and due publication, there is likelihood of huge gathering of people in different District Courts to take advantage of the One Time Traffic Challan Settlement Scheme, 2026, floated by the Government for disposal of the traffic challan matters with the reduced amount. In view of the suggestions given by the learned Member Secretary, BSLSA, it is expected that the learned District Magistrates of each of the District shall work in tandem with the Senior Superintendent of Police/ Superintendent of Police and in consultation with the Principal District and Session Judges of the concerned Judgeship, should identify a suitable space proximate to the District Court compound, if there is insufficient space in the District Court complex, so that it can be ensured that the persons coming to attend the National Lok Adalat, 2026 on 09.05.2026, for settlement of the traffic challan matters, will face no inconvenience, while attending Court which is a corner stone of justice system, rooted in the principle that access to justice is a fundamental right.

8. The arrangement shall also be made, so that the public shall not be asked to deposit the challan amount by cash, but they can avail the online deposit facilities for depositing the amount. The registered vehicle owners, against whom the challans have already been issued, should be informed by the Transport Department within two days, hence, the reduced challan deposit amount, by which their cases can be closed, in the respective mobile phones and/or contact numbers and they shall also be informed about the date and time of the National Lok Adalat and the venue which they shall have to attend for such purpose carrying a valid Id like an Aadhaar Card.

                  The Senior Superintendent of Police/ Superintendent of Police shall ensure proper security at the place, including placement of CCTV where such matters would be taken up and traffic police should make suitable parking places to handle high footfall, so that orderly settlement can be made. Police and security personnel should be deployed to manage long queues to prevent disorder. There should be help and co-ordination desk to verify hand copies of documents, including RC, driving licenses, challan notices etc. Since the process is a direct, safe and legal procedure, external agents should not be allowed to interfere with the same.

9. The learned Advocate General submitted that suitable steps shall be taken by the State in publishing the Gazette Notification dated 30.04.2026 relating to traffic challan matters in prominent English as well as Hindi newspapers by 6th of May, 2026; so also on electronic platforms repeatedly. This Court expects that the valuable suggestions given by the learned Member Secretary, BSLSA, shall be adhered to.

10. The matter be placed on 22.06.2026.

11. On the next date, the complete data of disposal of the traffic challan matters in the National Lok Adalat dated 09.05.2026, the traffic challan amount collected, the steps taken in various aspects for holding the successful National Lok Adalat in respect of the traffic challan matters, shall be brought on record by way of an affidavit by a responsible officer of the Transport Department, Government of Bihar, Patna.

12. A free copy of the order be handed over to the learned Advocate General. The Member Secretary, BSLSA, shall circulate the order to all the Principal and District Sessions Judges of all the districts of the State of Bihar.

13. Mr. Kumar Saurabh, appearing In-Person submits that he intends to bring some other issues, relating to the traffic challan matters by filing an affidavit.

14. Let the affidavit be filed within a week, by serving a copy of the same to all the learned Counsel for the respective parties.

15. The Court deems it appropriate to place on record its appreciation for the prompt and proactive efforts of the State Government in issuing the requisite Gazette Notification concerning the reduction of traffic challan fees. Such timely intervention reflects a constructive and cooperative approach towards the administration of justice. It is reasonably expected that this measure will significantly facilitate the amicable settlement of pending matters, particularly in Lok Adalats, and thereby contribute to a meaningful reduction in the overall pendency of cases.