Union Cabinet clears expansion of Fast Track Special Courts from 779 to 850 (File photo)
New Delhi, November 4 (IANS): In a bid to reduce the pendency of rape and child sexual offence cases, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including exclusive POCSO courts, for another five years till March 31, 2031, with a total financial outlay of Rs 3,788.04 crore.
The scheme aims to ensure speedy trials of pending cases relating to rape and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, while reducing the pendency of such cases across the country. The total financial outlay of Rs 3,788.04 crore includes a central share of Rs 2,353.15 crore and a State/Union Territory share of Rs 1,434.89 crore. The central share will be funded from the Nirbhaya Fund.
Under the extended scheme, the government plans to increase the number of functional FTSCs from the existing 779 to 850 across participating States and Union Territories, with additional districts to be identified on the basis of the pendency of rape and POCSO cases. Each court will have a dedicated judicial officer, a Special Public Prosecutor and six support staff to facilitate the expeditious disposal of pending cases.
The initiative is expected to ensure faster trials and timely justice for victims of sexual offences, particularly women and children. It also envisages the establishment of Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centres (VWDCs) and child-friendly court spaces to facilitate the recording of victims' testimonies without causing them further distress.
The Centre’s Department of Justice will implement the scheme in coordination with State governments and Union Territory administrations. The functioning of the courts will be monitored through the FTSC Dashboard, periodic progress reports and consultations with High Courts and State governments.
Launched on October 2, 2019, in pursuance of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, the scheme was introduced following directions of the Supreme Court in July 2019 for setting up exclusive special courts in districts having more than 100 pending POCSO cases.
Initially launched for one year, the scheme was subsequently extended up to March 31, 2026. It is currently operational in 29 States and Union Territories, with 779 functional courts, including 399 exclusive POCSO courts.
Since its inception, the FTSCs have disposed of 4,02,457 cases, according to the government. The continuation of the scheme for another five years is expected to further strengthen the judicial response to sexual offences, reduce case pendency and ensure timely justice to victims.
