Fast Track Special Courts

• 22 Mar 2025

For Prelims:  Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), FTSC Scheme, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, Nirbhaya Fund. 

For Mains: Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) scheme and its role in addressing sexual violence. 

Source: PIB

Why in News? 

The extension of the  Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) Scheme  till March 2026 aims to ensure speedy and time-bound justice in cases of rape and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

What is the Fast Track Special Courts Scheme? 

• About: It is a centrally sponsored scheme under the Ministry of Law & Justice that aims to establish FTSCs under the Nirbhaya Fund. 
  • In 2019, the Supreme Court ordered fast disposal of POCSO cases, prompting the launch of the FTSC Scheme on 2nd October, 2019. 
• Cost Sharing: The Centre contributes 60%, and States 40%, except for Northeastern, Sikkim, and hilly states, where it's 90:10. 
  • UTs with legislatures follow a 60:40 ratio, while those without  legislature get full central funding. 
• Need of FTSCs: 
  • Case Backlogs: India's courts face a growing backlog of rape and POCSO cases, increasing from 2,81,049 in 2020 to 4,17,673 by the end of 2022. 
  • Timely Justice: The POCSO Act, 2012, mandates Special Courts to complete trials within one year of taking cognizance of the offense. 
  • Deterrence: Harsh punishment deters crime, but its impact depends on timely trials and swift justice for victims. 
• Performance: As of December 2024, more than 700 FTSCs are operational across 30 States/UTs. These include 406 exclusive POCSO (ePOCSO) Courts 
  • FTSCs boast a 96.28% disposal rate in 2024, and over 3 lakh cases have been disposed of collectively by FTSCs since its launch.

What is the POCSO Act? 

Click Here to Read: POCSO Act 

What are the Challenges in Fast Track Special Courts? 

• Low Number of FTSCs: Although 1,023 FTSCs were sanctioned, only 747 FTSCs are operational as of December 2024. 
  • India needs at least 1,000 more FTSCs to dispose of one rape or POCSO case every three minutes to clear the backlog in a year.  
• Pendency: Fast-track courts often face heavy caseloads, causing delays that undermine their goal of swift justice. 
  • Maharashtra and Punjab have high case disposal rates, while West Bengal has the lowest leading to disparities in justice delivery. 
• Underutilization of Nirbhaya Fund: The Nirbhaya Fund, set up in 2013 to enhance women's safety, remains underutilized, with Rs 1,700 crore still unspent. 
• Lack of Specialized Support: Many FTSCs lack victim-friendly facilities, including: 
  • Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centers to provide a supportive environment for survivors. 
  • Female Public Prosecutors and Counselors to assist victims in navigating the legal process.

How Can the Fast Track Special Courts be Strengthened? 

• Improving Judicial Parameters: States should appoint Special Judges for POCSO cases, provide sensitization training, and ensure female public prosecutors. 
• Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centers (VWDCs): Establish VWDCs in all districts for victim testimony recording and child-friendly trials behind closed doors.  
  • Appoint child psychologists in FTSCs for pre-trial and trial support. 
• Technological Upgrades: Courtrooms should be upgraded with audio-video recording systems, LCD projectors, and enhanced IT systems for electronic case filing and digital records. 
• Forensic Labs: Increase forensic labs and train manpower to speed up pending cases and ensure timely DNA reports, aiding fair and speedy justice.

Conclusion 

Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) have significantly improved case disposal rates, ensuring quicker justice for survivors of sexual crimes. However, challenges such as limited courts, underutilized funds, and lack of victim-friendly infrastructure persist. Strengthening FTSCs with more courts, technological upgrades, and victim support mechanisms is crucial for timely justice and legal deterrence. 

Drishti Mains Question:

What is the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) scheme? What challenges hinder their effectiveness?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)  

Mains

Q. Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation. (2016)

Q. We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest Some innovative measures to tackle this menace. (2014)