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Swift Justice, Safer Society: The Impact of Fast Track Special Courts

Last Updated

22nd March, 2025

Date Published

20th March, 2025

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A realistic and inspiring depiction of justice and safety in society.

Context:

This document, released by the Press Information Bureau, Government of India, on March 20, 2025, under the Ministry of Law and Justice, details the role and impact of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) in expediting justice for rape and POCSO Act cases. Launched in 2019 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, FTSCs aim to reduce case backlogs, ensure timely justice, and enhance safety for women and children. The document highlights the scheme’s progress, financial framework, and recommendations for improvement, with an extension until 2026 backed by the Nirbhaya Fund.

Crisp Notes:

Introduction

  • Purpose: FTSCs ensure swift justice in rape and POCSO Act cases, reducing survivors’ trauma and reinforcing women’s safety.
  • Key Stats (2024):
    • New cases: 88,902.
    • Resolved cases: 85,595.
    • Disposal rate: 96.28%.
  • Cumulative Impact: Over 3,06,604 cases disposed of since inception.
  • Scheme Extension: Extended till March 31, 2026, with ₹1,952.23 crore under Nirbhaya Fund.

Need for FTSCs

  • Background: Despite strong laws (CrPC, POCSO Act), delays in trials persist due to backlogs and limited judicial resources.
  • Legal Mandate: Supreme Court’s directives (July 25, 2019) in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Criminal) No. 1/2019 emphasized timely justice in POCSO cases.
  • Launch: FTSC Scheme initiated on October 2, 2019, post-Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, to expedite rape and POCSO trials.

Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) Scheme in Detail

  • Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) under Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice.
  • Objective: Establish specialized courts for rape and POCSO cases to reduce pendency and ensure swift justice.
  • Target: Set up 790 FTSCs, including exclusive POCSO (e-POCSO) courts.
  • Performance Expectation: Each FTSC to dispose of 41-42 cases quarterly, minimum 165 cases annually.
  • Current Status:
    • Operational Courts: 745 (including 404 e-POCSO courts) across 30 States/UTs.
    • Pendency: 2,03,157 cases.
    • Disposal: 3,06,604 cases since inception.

Financial Framework

  • Total Outlay (2023-2026): ₹1,952.23 crore.
    • Central Share: ₹1,207.24 crore (Nirbhaya Fund).
    • Budget (2024-25): ₹200 crore (fully released).
  • Funding Pattern:
    • General States/UTs: 60:40 (Central:State).
    • NE States, Sikkim, Hilly States (J&K, HP, Uttarakhand): 90:10.
    • UTs without Legislature: 100% Central funding.
    • UTs with Legislature: 60:40.
  • Expenses Covered:
    • Remuneration for 1 Judicial Officer + 7 support staff.
    • Flexi-grants for operational costs and child/women-friendly measures.
  • Mode: Reimbursement-based; funds released post-expenditure statements from States/UTs.
  • Extension: Initially for 1 year (2019-20), extended to March 2023, further extended to March 31, 2026 (approved November 28, 2023).

Key Recommendations (IIPA Evaluation, 2023)

  • Continuation: Strongly recommended due to focus on sexual offences against women and children.
  • Judicial Strengthening: Appoint experienced Special Judges, sensitize them for POCSO cases, and appoint female public prosecutors.
  • Tech Upgrades: Install audio-video recording, LCD projectors, and enhance IT systems (e-filing, digitized records).
  • Forensic Support: Increase forensic labs and train manpower for timely DNA reports.
  • Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centers (VWDCs):
    • Establish in all districts for victim-friendly testimony recording.
    • Ensure child-friendly trials (closed doors, identity protection).
    • Include child psychologists in FTSCs for pre-trial/trial support.

Progress and Innovations

  • Operational Reach: 745 FTSCs functional, including 404 e-POCSO courts.
  • Child-Friendly Measures: VWDCs integrated into FTSCs to support victims and create compassionate legal proceedings.

Conclusion

  • Impact: FTSCs have significantly reduced case pendency and expedited justice, aligning with the government’s commitment to a safer society.
  • Challenges: Persistent backlogs and resource constraints require ongoing reforms.
  • Future Focus: Infrastructure upgrades, technology integration, and forensic support to enhance effectiveness.