Settlement Process
Settling Your Challan via Smart Pay
Smart Pay uses India's Lok Adalat process — what it means, how much you save, and — importantly — how long it takes.
What is Lok Adalat?
DigiChallan's Smart Pay option uses the Lok Adalat ("People's Court") process — an alternative dispute resolution mechanism in India where traffic challan cases can be settled at a discount, outside the regular court process. A lawyer represents your case before the Lok Adalat bench, which has the authority to reduce the fine amount as part of an official settlement. This is a well-established statutory process, not a shortcut — it typically results in you paying significantly less than the original challan amount.
What is Direct Pay?
Direct Pay is simply paying the full challan amount shown by the traffic authority, with no discount applied. There's no lawyer, no Lok Adalat sitting, and no waiting on a court calendar — once we confirm your payment (usually by matching your UTR within a few hours), your challan is cleared with the authorities the same day in almost all cases. It costs more than Smart Pay, but it's the fastest way to get a challan off your record.
Smart Pay vs. Direct Pay — at a glance
| Smart Pay | Direct Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount you pay | Discounted fine (per your district's Lok Adalat slab) + platform fee | Full original fine + platform fee |
| How it's settled | A verified advocate represents your case before the Lok Adalat bench | We clear it directly with the traffic authority once payment is confirmed |
| Typical time | 7 days to 3 months, depending on the next sitting in your district | Usually the same day payment is confirmed |
| Court visit needed | No — the advocate represents you | No |
| If it can't be settled | Full refund (incl. platform fee) within 7 working days, or pay the difference to switch to Direct Pay | Not applicable — paid in full upfront |
| Best for | Saving money, and you can wait for the next sitting | Clearing the challan quickly, discount isn't the priority |
How the process works on DigiChallan
- 1You choose "Smart Pay" and pay the discounted amount shown (based on the applicable discount slab for your challan's district and amount).
- 2Your case is reviewed by our admin team and allocated to a verified lawyer enrolled in your challan's district.
- 3The lawyer accepts the case and represents it at the next available Lok Adalat sitting for your district/court.
- 4You'll see interim updates from your lawyer on your dashboard as the case progresses (e.g. hearing dates, adjournments).
- 5Once settled, the lawyer uploads proof of settlement and your case is marked closed.
Expected delay — please read before choosing this option
Lok Adalat sittings are scheduled periodically (often monthly or quarterly, depending on your district/court) and are outside our control. Settlement typically takes 7 days to 3 months, depending on the next scheduled sitting, court calendars, case volume, and adjournments. If you need it cleared sooner, Direct Pay (full amount) is cleared once we confirm your payment, usually the same day.
If your challan can't be settled
Our team checks eligibility before your case goes to a lawyer. If your challan turns out to be ineligible (for example, drunk driving or a case already under trial), or the Lok Adalat doesn't settle it, you choose what happens next: a full refund of everything you paid, including the platform fee, within 7 working days — or pay the difference and we'll clear the challan at the full amount instead.
See section 4 of our Terms & Conditions for the full refund terms.
Which option should I choose?
Direct Pay (full amount)
Full challan amount, cleared once we confirm your payment, usually the same day. Best if you want it done quickly.
Smart Pay (Lok Adalat)
Discounted amount (as per applicable slab), but typically takes 3–6 weeks on average to settle. Best if the discount matters more than speed.