New Delhi: Motorists may soon be able to approach local sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs), tehsildars and other gazetted officers to get pending traffic challans disposed of, with Delhi govt planning to empower nearly 700 officials across departments to help clear a backlog of more than four crore challans.The move is aimed at giving people more options to settle pending challans, especially those who find it difficult to approach courts. The proposed mechanism will operate alongside the existing system under which challans can be disposed of online, through courts or, in eligible cases, through Lok Adalats.A cabinet note is being prepared and is likely to be placed before Delhi Cabinet in the coming weeks.“The govt is preparing a proposal to diversify the options available for clearing pending traffic challans. Nearly 700 officials of the rank of section officer and above across revenue, transport and other departments may be empowered to dispose of challans. People will have the option of approaching officials closer to their homes to get contested challans cleared,” a govt official said.The proposal comes against the backdrop of Delhi’s traffic challan backlog of over four crore cases. Officials said a large proportion of these challans were generated through automated enforcement systems, including traffic cameras and surveillance networks, while others were issued by traffic police and transport enforcement teams during enforcement drives.Officials believe the move will help speed up disposal of pending cases, reduce the burden on courts and make the process more convenient for citizens. The govt is working on the framework, including the designations and number of officials to be authorised, the types of cases they can handle, the procedure for disposal and safeguards to ensure transparency.Once finalised, the proposal will be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
