The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given the nod to extend the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2026. The financial implication of this extension amounts to Rs. 1952.23 crore, with the Central Share of Rs. 1207.24 crore to be funded from the Nirbhaya Fund. The FTSCs were originally initiated on October 2, 2019.
The government’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety and security of women and children has led to several initiatives, including the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ program. Incidents of rape against girls and women have deeply impacted the nation, highlighting the urgent need for expedited trials and justice. In response to these incidents and the prolonged legal proceedings, the government enacted “The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act. 2018,” which introduced strict penalties, including the death penalty for rape offenders. This led to the establishment of the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs).
These dedicated courts, known as FTSCs, have been designed to expedite trials and ensure swift justice delivery, providing immediate relief to victims of sexual offenses while strengthening the deterrent framework against sexual offenders.
The Centrally Sponsored Scheme for establishing FTSCs, initiated in August 2019 by the Union of India, aims to ensure the prompt disposal of cases related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act). Following the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in suo moto Writ Petition (Criminal) No.1/2019 dated 25.07.2019, the scheme mandated the creation of exclusive POCSO Courts for districts with over 100 POCSO Act cases. Initially launched for a year in October 2019, the scheme was extended for an additional two years until March 31, 2023. It has now been further extended until March 31, 2026, with a total financial outlay of Rs. 1952.23 crore, utilizing the Central Share funded from the Nirbhaya Fund.
Administered by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice, this Centrally Sponsored Scheme will supplement State Government resources in establishing FTSCs nationwide, ensuring the expeditious disposal of rape and POCSO Act cases.
Participation from thirty States/Union Territories has led to the operationalization of 761 FTSCs, including 414 exclusive POCSO Courts, resulting in the resolution of over 1,95,000 cases. These courts significantly aid State/UT Government efforts in delivering timely justice to victims of sexual offenses, even in remote and inaccessible areas.
The anticipated outcomes of the scheme encompass reflecting the nation’s resolve to combat sexual and gender-based violence, substantially reducing pending cases related to rape and the POCSO Act, facilitating swift access to justice for victims, and alleviating the burden on the judicial system by managing the number of cases efficiently.