India’s roads are busier than ever. With the growing population and daily travel needs, millions of vehicles move around every single day. But with more vehicles, comes more traffic challans. From overspeeding to parking violations, challans pile up, and settling them through the traditional court system can take months or even years.
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To make things simple, a special system was introduced – Lok Adalat, also known as the “People’s Court”. It’s a quicker and easier way to handle small disputes, including your pending traffic challans, without going through the long formal court process.
In this article, we’ll go deep into what Lok Adalat is, how it helps you, upcoming Lok Adalat dates in 2025, how you can use it to pay or dispute traffic challans, and a step-by-step guide to obtaining tokens in Delhi.
What is Lok Adalat?
Lok Adalat, literally meaning People’s Court, is a quasi-judicial body. That means it can interpret and apply the law like courts, but it’s not part of the strict traditional judiciary system.
It works under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and is backed by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). It started way back in 1982 in Gujarat and since then has become a nationwide movement to reduce pending cases and make justice accessible.
Unlike regular courts:
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No court fees are charged.
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You don’t need lawyers for small issues.
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The process is simple, fast, and based on mutual settlement.
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Whatever award Lok Adalat gives is final and binding.
So if your traffic challan is stuck or pending, Lok Adalat is the best chance to resolve it quickly.
Why Lok Adalat is Important for Traffic Challans?
Traffic challans are the most common disputes citizens face. Whether you jumped a signal, parked in a wrong place, or got caught overspeeding, challans can be a headache if not cleared on time.
Usually, unpaid challans land in traffic courts, where thousands of cases are already pending. Waiting for your turn can take ages. Lok Adalat solves this by giving you a one-day opportunity to settle pending challans directly.
Benefits include:
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Lower fines: Sometimes the fines are reduced if settled in Lok Adalat.
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No additional penalties: You clear dues before they pile up.
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No lawyer needed: Just carry your challan copies and ID.
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Quick settlement: Done in a single sitting.
Types of Cases Handled by Lok Adalat
Though traffic challans are the focus here, Lok Adalats handle many different disputes:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Civil Disputes | Property, rent, contracts |
| Compoundable Criminal Cases | Petty theft, minor assault |
| Family Disputes | Mutual divorce, child custody, maintenance |
| Traffic Challans | Overspeeding, wrong parking, signal jumping |
| Labour Disputes | Salary or compensation matters |
| Bank Recovery Cases | Loan defaults, credit card dues |
| Motor Accident Claims (MACT) | Compensation claims |
| Cheque Bounce (NI Act, 138) | Bounced cheque disputes |
For most citizens, traffic challan settlement is the easiest and most common use of Lok Adalat.
National Lok Adalat 2025 Dates
In 2025, Lok Adalats are being held across India on fixed dates:
| National Lok Adalat | Date |
|---|---|
| 1st Lok Adalat | 8 March 2025 |
| 2nd Lok Adalat | 10 May 2025 |
| 3rd Lok Adalat | 13 Sept 2025 |
| 4th Lok Adalat | 13 Dec 2025 |
👉 If you have challans pending, mark your calendar. The September and December sessions are your next chance.
Special Note for Delhi:
Delhi Traffic Police, along with Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA), is holding National Lok Adalat on 13 September 2025 from 10 AM to 4 PM for settling all traffic challans pending till 31 March 2025.
These sessions will be held across major district courts including Dwarka, Karkardooma, Rohini, Patiala House, Saket, Tis Hazari and Rose Avenue.
Powers of Lok Adalat
Even though Lok Adalat is not a full-fledged court, it enjoys many powers of a civil court:
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Can summon parties.
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Can accept affidavits as evidence.
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Can demand documents like challan copies or RC papers.
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Can seek records from RTO or police.
But for traffic challans, the process is kept very simple. Mostly, you just need to show your challan and reach a quick settlement.
How Does Lok Adalat Work for Traffic Challans?
Here’s the basic process:
Step 1: Case Listing
If you have an unpaid challan, it may get listed automatically, or you can voluntarily register for the Lok Adalat.
Step 2: Initial Hearing
A small panel sits (judge + lawyer + social worker) and listens to your side.
Step 3: Discussion
Instead of arguments, they encourage mutual compromise between you and the traffic police department.
Step 4: Settlement and Award
If both agree, an award is passed and your challan is considered settled.
Step 5: No Settlement
If compromise fails, your case goes back to the regular traffic court.
Eligible Challans for Lok Adalat
Not all challans are eligible. Generally accepted ones include:
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Overspeeding
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Signal jumping
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Wrong/unauthorised parking
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Driving without helmet or seatbelt
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Pending challans (not already settled)
Not eligible:
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Cases involving serious injury or death.
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Non-compoundable offences.
Always confirm with your state’s traffic police website for exact rules.
How to Obtain a Lok Adalat Token (Delhi Example)
For Delhi citizens, attending Lok Adalat requires a token. Without it, you can’t settle challans.
Follow these steps:
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Visit Delhi Traffic Police website.
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On homepage, click Delhi State Legal Services Authority option.
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Fill in details:
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Name
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Contact number
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Vehicle registration details
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Pending challan details
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Submit the form.
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Download your Lok Adalat Token from the confirmation link.
⚠️ Important: Carry printed copies of challans and the token to court on Lok Adalat day.
How to Check Traffic Challan Online?
You can check pending challans anytime before Lok Adalat using these two methods:
1. Via Park+ App
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Download or open Park+ website/app.
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Go to Challan section.
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Enter your vehicle number.
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View pending challans instantly.
2. Via MParivahan eChallan Portal
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Visit echallan.parivahan.gov.in.
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Enter Challan Number OR Vehicle Number with chassis/engine digits OR DL number.
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See pending challans.
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Pay directly using UPI, Net Banking, or cards.
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Download receipt.
👉 Pro Tip: Clear challans within 60 days to avoid extra penalties.
Benefits of National Lok Adalat for Citizens
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No Court Fees – Free process, and any earlier fees are refunded if case is settled here.
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Quick Justice – Done in a single day.
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Friendly Process – No need to worry about strict legal language.
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Trust Building – Shows law as citizen-friendly, not just punitive.
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Direct Support – In accident cases, compensation goes straight to victims.
Tips Before Attending Lok Adalat for Traffic Challans
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Carry challan printouts and vehicle papers.
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Take Aadhar or ID proof.
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Reach court early to avoid long queues.
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Always download token (for Delhi).
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If you are unsure, check challan status online before going.
Conclusion
Lok Adalat is one of the smartest legal reforms in India, making justice faster, cheaper, and friendlier. For traffic challans, it’s a golden chance to clear old dues without getting stuck in endless court hearings.
So if you’ve got a challan still pending, don’t wait. Check your challan online today, grab your Lok Adalat token (if in Delhi), and mark your calendar for the upcoming 13 September 2025 or 13 December 2025 session.
It saves your time, money, and stress – and helps keep roads and courts less burdened.