No E-Challan Settlements in Lok Adalat on December 13: Maharashtra Traffic Police Clarify Rumours

The Maharashtra Traffic Police, through their official channel, have declared that there will not be any e-challan settlements or waivers at the National Lok Adalat scheduled for December 13, 2025. This clarification was issued due to numerous false social media posts and messages that created the impression that those with pending challans could clear them at a discounted rate or have them waived entirely on that day.

Authorities have appealed to residents not to believe such fake information or visit unverified locations in hopes of getting discounts on their traffic fines. The official statement made by the Additional Director General of Police (Traffic), Maharashtra) clarified that these claims are completely baseless and intended to mislead people.

What Sparked the Confusion?

In the days leading up to the December 13 Lok Adalat, several viral posts began circulating on WhatsApp, X (Twitter), and Facebook, suggesting that vehicle owners could settle their traffic fines for half or even no payment. Some posts claimed this initiative was part of a “special Lok Adalat drive” across India to help motorists clear pending challans at lower rates.

However, Maharashtra’s traffic authorities have made it clear that such claims do not apply to the state. The traffic department clarified that the Lok Adalat is not linked to any e-challan settlement or discount campaign in Maharashtra. Citizens are advised to avoid spreading such messages further.

What the Maharashtra Traffic Police Said

The official statement released by the Maharashtra Traffic Police emphasized the following key points:

• The Lok Adalat on December 13 will not include any provision for the settlement of e-challans.
• The Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) has not issued any direction or permission related to e-challan reduction or discount.
• Rumours about 50% to 100% discounts are false and have no legal basis.
• Vehicle owners should use only official sites for e-challan payment and verification.

The department has also issued a warning about fake links claiming to provide free access to challans. These links may be used to trick people into financial fraud or lead to the unauthorized use of personal information.

What Is Lok Adalat?

Lok Adalat, which means “People’s Court”, is an initiative by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to clear the backlog of cases through compromise and mutual settlement. It serves as a forum to resolve civil, compoundable criminal, and pre-litigation matters where both parties are willing to settle amicably.

Some states occasionally include minor traffic cases in Lok Adalats, but Maharashtra has clearly stated that e-challan disputes will not be part of the Lok Adalat scheduled for December 13. Therefore, no settlement or waiver of pending challans arising from automatic cameras or electronic monitoring will be possible during this event.

What About Other States?

The confusion seems to have spread because, in previous sessions of Lok Adalat in other states, certain traffic challans were allowed to be settled at reduced rates. For example, states like Delhi and Uttar Pradesh have, at times, offered partial waivers through local legal service authorities.

However, it’s important to note that these decisions vary from state to state. The Maharashtra Traffic Police have clearly stated that no such facility is available this time. Hence, motorists in Maharashtra should not expect any discount or amnesty on their pending e-challans on December 13.

Check: How to Check Pending Traffic Fines in Maharashtra Using Vehicle Number

Avoid Fake Settlement Schemes

With misinformation spreading quickly, the traffic department has cautioned against fraudulent websites and social media campaigns that claim to help users “settle” their e-challans online. These fake platforms often ask users to share vehicle details, phone numbers, or UPI payments, posing serious security risks.

Motorists are strongly advised to check their fines only through official government websites. If you live in the state, visit the official portal for e challan Maharashtra to view or clear any pending fines safely. These are the only trusted and secure platforms for checking or paying challans.

How to Stay Safe and Updated

If you have recently received messages or seen videos about the “Lok Adalat challan waiver” in Maharashtra, here is a list of things you should do instead:

1. Do not click on unknown links or fill out forms that claim to offer discounts.
2. Confirm any announcements only through official channels, such as the Maharashtra Traffic Police’s social media handles or official government websites.
3. Avoid making online payments on any platform other than the official portal or a verified payment gateway.
4. Check pending fines on trusted sources for e challan Maharashtra or your respective city’s traffic police portal.
5. Spread awareness by informing your family and friends about such scams to protect them from being deceived.
6. The traffic authorities also advise drivers to keep screenshots or receipts of all valid transactions as proof of payment.

Why This Clarification Matters

Traffic e-challans are now deeply ingrained in the road enforcement systems of the modern world. Besides ensuring transparency and accountability, they have also helped in reducing direct contact between drivers and traffic personnel. But with the advent of digital fines, misinformation and scams have increased as well.

The present condition is a warning to people that they should only refer to authentic sources when they require any information related to challan payments, fines, or settlements. If a person chooses to fall into the trap of a fake discount offer, they might end up losing money or getting into trouble with the law.

Final Takeaway

The National Lok Adalat on December 13 is the day when a lot of legal cases will be resolved all over the country. However, Maharashtra will not have any e-challan settlement or discount scheme as part of this event. It will be prudent for drivers to check their challans, verify their penalties, and make payments only through official and secure channels.

Being updated with the latest information will safeguard you not only from getting into trouble with the law but also from being victims of online scams and misinformation.