Lok Adalat is a dispute resolution form that is held to resolve the pre-litigation disputes of various types in India. It primarily involves family disputes, land-related disputes, marriage disputes, and cases related to traffic challan. The pending traffic challans in Maharashtra can be settled in a Lok Adalat. The trivial cases of traffic violation are referred to the Lok Adalat where you can also get discounts or waivers. Also, there is no court fee or lawyer fee associated with the Lok Adalat i.e. the People’s Court. In the below sections, we have discussed some ways of attending the Lok Adalat and checking the eligibility of challans for Lok Adalat.
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What is Lok Adalat for traffic challans?
A traffic challan is imposed against your vehicle when you violate or break a traffic rule. You can settle the challan fine on the spot or clear it online by visiting the official website of Parivahan Seva. However, sometimes, you forget to clear the challans or they get triggered from the CCTV cameras installed in the traffic system. In such cases, the pending challans are often moved to the Lok Adalat to help the citizens settle them immediately without causing any legal issues.
Once a challan is settled in the Lok Adalat, you need not worry about it as it is considered as the final decision that is also accepted by other courts.
Common Traffic Challan Offences Considered in Lok Adalat
The cases that are pending for a long time usually get settled in Lok Adalat. Most of these cases are of trivial types. Some of the common traffic challan-related cases held in Lok Adalat include:
- Not wearing the helmet while driving
- Jumping the red signal
- Driving at a speed over the recommended speed limit
- Speaking on a phone while driving
- Not wearing the seatbelt while driving
- Not carrying all the vehicle related documents viz. Registration Certificate, licence, insurance certificate, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, etc. while driving.
- Pillion rider/co-driver not wearing the seatbelt/helmet
While you must note that most of these cases are of trivial nature, some criminal cases involving accidents can also be held in Lok Adalat. In such cases, both the parties involved in the accident along with the insurance provider must agree to a specific compensation or any other way to settle the dispute.
How to Check Lok Adalat Challan Status in Maharashtra?
The following steps will help you check the Lok Adalat challan status in Maharashtra:
Visit e-Challan Site
You can either visit the official site of Maharashtra Traffic e-challan or Parivahan Sewa. After visiting the Maharashtra Traffic e-challan site, you can enter your vehicle registration number along with the last four digits of your engine or chassis number. After submitting these details, click on the submit button.
Check Pending Challans
Upon clicking on the submit button, a list of pending challans issued against your vehicle will be displayed on the screen. The status of the challan will also be shown including the details on whether they are referred to Lok Adalat or not.
Clear Pending Challans
You can also clear the pending challans directly using UPI, net banking, or credit/debit card. Usually, the challans that are not cleared for a long time are referred to the Lok Adalat.
Other Methods
You can also use the MahaTraffic app to view and clear the pending challans. Contact the e-challan helpdesk number: 844 844 8960 for more details.
Documents Required for Lok Adalat Challan Settlement
All the vehicle-related documents such as the vehicle registration certificate or RC, insurance documents, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, driving licence, etc. are to be taken with you for the Lok Adalat hearing. Apart from this, you must also carry the associated challan receipts and one valid proof of identity such as Aadhaar Card or voter’s ID.
If you are pleading innocence before the Lok Adalat, do not forget to carry evidence (photographic/videographic) with you. For instance, if you wrongly issued a challan for jumping a red signal, show your dashcam recording as evidence to prove your innocence. This way, you can get the challan cancelled without paying any fine or penalty.
How to Pay a Challan in Lok Adalat in Maharashtra?
- Check Pending Challans: Your first step should be to check the pending challans imposed on your driving licence or vehicle. Once you check them, verify the challans that are eligible for Lok Adalat hearing. Often, the long pending challans that are sent to the court are referred to the Lok Adalat.
- Check the Lok Adalat Venue & Date: After confirming the challan eligibility, you must check the applicable Lok Adalat date, timing, and venue. Upon confirming these, you can carry all the documents along with the challan receipts while visiting the Lok Adalat. These documents must be submitted at the help desk to confirm the eligibility of your challan in Lok Adalat.
- Settlement: Once your case is presented in front of the judge, you can request for a discount or waiver. If it’s a first time offence or violation, the judge will likely waive-off the challan fine. Also, multiple challans are eligible for a discount if you agree to clear them all at once. Do not forget to collect the payment receipt from the Lok Adalat after clearing the fine or penalty.
Lok Adalat Dates for Challan Settlement in Maharashtra
The most recent Lok Adalat (first in 2026) was held on 22nd March 2026. The forthcoming Lok Adalat sessions will be held on 9th May, 12th September, and 12th December in 2026.
The Lok Adalat schedules are managed by the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA). Check the official site of Maharashtra Traffic e-Challan for regular updates on the dates and upcoming conciliation sessions. The availability of these sessions may differ in different cities and states. So, before attending such events, you must confirm them with the local traffic police
What Happens if You Don’t Settle Challans in Lok Adalat?
In the event of not settling the challan in Lok Adalat, you might have to face these consequences:
- The pending challans will be moved to a regular court where you’ll not receive any waiver or discount. Instead, you’ll be charged a fine for delaying the challan payment.
- If the challan remains unsettled for a long time, your vehicle can be blacklisted on the Vahan site. This means that you will no longer receive a PUC for your vehicle. Also, you’ll not be able to sell your vehicle legally or renew the insurance.
- The Regional Transport Office (RTO) might also suspend your RC or driving licence if you fail to clear multiple challans pending against your vehicle.
- For traffic violations of severe types, the court may also issue a summon against you or impound your vehicle.
Summary
These were some ways of clearing pending challans in Lok Adalat in Maharashtra. Always clear the pending challans on time to avoid any legal proceedings in the future. Also, attending the Lok Adalat can help you get a waiver or discount for the pending challans.
FAQs about Lok Adalat Challan in Maharashtra
Q. Can I attend a Lok Adalat conciliation session virtually in Maharashtra?
Yes, you may attend a Lok Adalat conciliation session virtually through platforms such as Jupitice or Sama ODR. These online sessions are held via video conferencing but you must register to them through the MSLSA portal.
Q. Where is the Lok Adalat session usually held in Maharashtra?
The Lok Adalat sessions are usually held in district or taluka courts. They are also held in Mumbai High Court along with its benches in Aurangabad and Nagpur.
Q. Can I represent my own case in Lok Adalat?
Yes, you may represent your own case in Lok Adalat as there is no need to hire a lawyer for Lok Adalat hearings.
Q. Are the cases related to reckless driving referred to Lok Adalat?
Reckless driving cases that are compoundable i.e. can be settled via a fine are often referred to Lok Adalat. However, major accidents involving injury or deaths are generally excluded from the Lok Adalat hearings.
Q. How to avoid a challan fine or penalty?
You can avoid a challan fine or penalty by clearing it within 90 days after it is issued.
