The National Lok Adalat will be held on May 9, 2026 in multiple states including Bihar. In preparation, Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo and Justice Harish Kumar from the Patna High Court have laid out a number of guidelines for the authorities to ensure that the Lok Adalat runs smoothly and assists the general public to settle their pending traffic challans.
Additionally, the Patna High Court also emphasized that access to the various courts in Bihar hosting Lok Adalat sessions should remain clear and that proper arrangements need to be in place to accommodate the antipated large crowds.
What directions did Patna High Court give about Lok Adalat in Bihar?
According to the interim judgement, here’s what the Patna High Court said:
Bihar Government’s One-Time Traffic Challan Settlement Scheme, 2026 at National Lok Adalat on May 9, 2026
The Patna High Court said that in view of the Bihar government gazette notification dated April 30, 2026 and due publication, there is likelihood of huge gatherings of people in different district courts to take advantage of the One-Time Traffic Challan Settlement Scheme, 2026, floated by the Bihar government to dispose off traffic challan matters with a reduced amount.
Thus in view of the suggestions given by the Member Secretary, Bihar State Legal Services Authority (BSLSA), the Patna High Court stated that the district magistrates should collaborate closely with the Senior Superintendent of Police/ Superintendent of Police and judges to find an appropriate location near the District Court compound, especially if the District Court complex lacks sufficient space.
The Patna High Court said that this is necessary to ensure that people attending the National Lok Adalat on May 9, 2026, for settlement of traffic challans , face no difficulties while at Court, which is a corner stone of justice system, based on the principle that access to justice is a fundamental right.
No cash payment for settlement of traffic challans
The Patna High Court also said that arrangement shall be made so that the people are not asked to deposit the challan amount in cash, and instead can avail the online deposit facilities.
People will be informed by transport department about Lok Adalat
The Patna High Court also said that the registered vehicle owners, against whom the challans have been issued, should be informed by the Transport Department about the Lok Adalat within two days.
You will also be notified about the reduced challan amount that can close their cases, sent to their respective mobile phones and/or contact numbers. Additionally, they will receive details about the date, time and venue of the National Lok Adalat, where they need to show a valid ID like an Aadhaar card.
Safety and adequate parking facilities must be provided
The Patna High Court said that the Senior Superintendent of Police/ Superintendent of Police shall ensure proper security at the place, including placement of CCTVs and traffic police should make suitable parking arrangements to handle high footfall and allow orderly settlement of dues.
The high court also said that the police and security personnel should be deployed to manage long queues to avoid chaos. There should be a help and co-ordination desk to verify hand copies of documents, including RC, driving licenses, challan notices etc.
The Patna High Court said: “Since the process is a direct, safe and legal procedure, external agents should not be allowed to interfere with the same.”
Bihar government says they will follow the directions
The Advocate General of Bihar Government told the high court that suitable steps shall be taken by the state in publishing the Gazette Notification dated 30.04.2026 on traffic challan matters in prominent English and Hindi newspapers by May 6, 2026 and also on electronic platforms repeatedly. The court said it expected the suggestions given by the Member Secretary, BSLSA, to be followed.
Additionally, the Patna High Court directed that on the next date of hearing, the state shall place on record the complete data on disposal of traffic challans in the National Lok Adalat held on May 9, 2026, including the total amount collected and steps taken to ensure its successful conduct, reported LiveLaw. The matter has been directed to be listed on June 22, 2026.
