Delhi govt’s amnesty plan to offer relief to people with pending transport and traffic challans has hit a roadblock. Officials said the proposal, which was placed before the cabinet in its last meeting, could not be approved due to objections raised over its legality.
“It was pointed out that there are multiple ongoing court cases concerning unpaid challans, making the matter legally sensitive,” an official said. However, govt is still keen on implementing the scheme and a fresh proposal will be drafted to seek lieutenant governor’s approval, he added. LG holds the overriding authority in matters involving legal ambiguity. The scheme will move forward only after receiving his assent, officials said.
The one-time scheme is expected to provide major relief to vehicle owners in the city. Under it, govt is considering a 50-70 per cent waiver on outstanding challans, which would reduce the city’s massive backlog of unpaid fines while also unclogging an overburdened judicial system. “After this, stricter penalties, including cancellation of registration, may be considered for habitual defaulters,” an official said.
The scheme is expected to cover both traffic police and transport department challans. While the transport department issues challans for violations such as expired pollution under control certificates, wrong-side driving and overloading, the traffic police handles offences ranging from riding without helmets, red light jumping to speeding. However, it will not apply to serious violations such as drunk driving, unauthorised driving or driving without a valid licence.
Officials indicated that violators would likely be given a two- to three-month window to settle the dues at reduced rates. “The objective is to wipe out long-pending challans without burdening citizens with hefty fines, reduce court caseloads and improve compliance,” another official said. Between Jan 1 and July 31 this year, Delhi Traffic Police had issued 22.4 lakh challans, but only 55,075, or roughly 2 per cent, were paid and around 21.9 lakhs remain pending. With more than 80 lakh registered vehicles in the city and the transport department issuing 1,000 to 1,500 challans daily, the system is stretched, officials pointed out.
Improper parking is the most common offence, accounting for 7.2 lakh challans, though only 27,000 were settled. Out of the 4.2 lakh challans for helmetless riding, a mere 5,100 were paid. The introduction of e-challans was expected to improve compliance by providing photographic proof of violations, such as speeding or signal jumping. However, while the technology has improved detection, it has not led to better payment rates. Many violators wait for Lok Adalat sessions, where fines are often reduced. The lack of additional penalties or interest on delayed payment has also discouraged timely settlement.>
