Fast Track Special Court (FTSC)

Nov. 30, 2023

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation of fast-track courts dedicated to the dispensation of justice in cases of sexual offences, for a period of three years.

About Fast Track Special Court (FTSC):

It was formulated as a centrally sponsored scheme to establish FTSCs for the timely disposal of cases related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) in August 2019.
Initially commenced in October 2019 for one year, the scheme was extended for an additional two years until March 31, 2023.
Now it has been further extended until March 31, 2026, with a financial outlay of Rs. 1952.23 crore.
Fund: The Central Share is funded from the Nirbhaya Fund.
These are designed as dedicated courts which are expected to ensure swift dispensation of justice, offering quick relief to victims while strengthening the deterrence framework for sexual offenders.
Nodal Ministry: It is implemented by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice.
It augments State Government resources for establishing FTSCs across the country, ensuring the swift disposal of cases related to rape and the POCSO Act.
All States/Union Territories have participated in the Scheme, operationalizing 761 FTSCs, including 414 exclusive POCSO Courts.
The expected outcomes of the scheme are:
- Reflect the nation's commitment to ending sexual and gender-based violence.
- Substantially reduce pending cases of Rape & POCSO Act, relieving the burden on the judicial system.
- Ensure swift access to justice for victims of sexual crimes through improved facilities and expedited trials.
- Reduce the burden of cases to a manageable number.