Judge urges motorists to seize 50% discount on traffic fines

Shivamogga: Principal District and Sessions Judge Manjunatha G.A. has urged motorists to take advantage of a 50% discount on traffic violation fines, available for a limited period. Addressing a press conference in Shivamogga on Thursday, he announced that the discount applies to e-challans issued for traffic violations committed before May this year. The scheme, which began on June 21, will remain in effect until July 10, spanning 20 days.

“This is a good opportunity for motorists to settle their outstanding dues,” Judge Manjunatha remarked. He shared that between August 28, 2023, and April 30, 2026, the Smart City Police Command in Shivamogga registered 4,38,023 e-challans, amounting to fines worth ₹31.8 crore. Of these, 1,38,986 cases have already been resolved, resulting in payments of ₹6.09 crore. However, 2,99,037 cases remain pending, with unpaid fines totaling ₹23.71 crore.

Motorists can clear their fines online by visiting https://103.195.218.159/challan or by visiting traffic police stations across the city. Special counters have been set up at Ashok Circle, Shivappa Nayaka Circle, Gopi Circle, and police chowkis, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Alternatively, fines can also be paid directly to assistant sub-inspectors or senior officers equipped with e-challan PDA machines.

In addition to the discount scheme, Judge Manjunatha announced that a National Lok Adalat will be held on July 11 across all courts, offering mediation to resolve civil disputes and compoundable criminal cases. A special Lok Adalat for cheque bounce cases is scheduled for July 18, with 7,255 such cases registered in the district. Furthermore, a special Lok Adalat titled "Samadhan Samaroh 2026" will address cases pending in the Supreme Court from August 21 to 23.

As many as 23 cases related to Shivamogga district have already been identified and referred for resolution in the Lok Adalat. Senior Civil Judge Santhosh M.S., member-secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, and Traffic Police Inspector Devaraj were also present at the press conference.