However, only 22 turned up on Saturday. Only the second Lok Nyayalaya organised in the city by the RTO, it was a complete non-starter, especially compared to the first one when more than 300 cases had been disposed off. “It is disappointing. Those who have cases against them would just have to come and pay the fines. Unlike the regular process, there would have been no need for a lawyer as well. We had hoped that people would take this opportunity to get their pending cases closed,” said C M Sontakke, RTO, Pune division.

Sontakke is at loss to explain why the response has been poor. “We spoke to various car, bus and taxi unions. We even held a press conference to spread the word,” said Sontakke.

Bharat Kalke, president of the Vividh Motor Vahan Chalak Malak Pratinidhi Sangh, said the change of venue from RTO premises to the district court probably scared the offenders. The last time the Lok Nyayalaya held at the RTO premises drew 324 individuals. This time the District Legal Service Authority held the day-long session at the sessions court. “This could have put off some people. There is a fear of the court among many autorickshaw drivers,” said Kalke.

Sontakke, however, disagreed. “As far we are concerned, very few people came because many were not aware about it and not because they were scared of the courts,” he said.