Fast Track Special Courts

Syllabus

Prelims – Indian Polity & Governance

Mains – GS II – Government Policies & Interventions | Judiciary

Why is in News?

The government has extended the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) Scheme until 2026, allocating funds under the Nirbhaya Fund.

Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs)

FTSCs were launched under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
Established on - October 2, 2019.
Objective - To provide speedy justice in cases of sexual offenses, particularly under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and rape cases.
Other cases dealt by FTSCs
- Specific cases of heinous nature,
- Civil cases related to women, children, senior citizen, disabled persons, persons infected with terminal ailments and
- Property related cases pending for more than 5 years.
Currently, 745 courts are operational across 30 States and UTs.
These courts are established by State Governments in consultation with their respective High Courts.
Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Law and Justice.
Funding
- 60:40 between Centre and States.
- 90:10 for Northeastern, hilly States, and J&K.
- 100% funding for UTs without a legislature.
Role in Speedy Justice - FTSCs focus on rape and POCSO Act cases, ensuring swift legal proceedings.

Key Recommendations by Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA)

Scheme Continuation - Essential for handling sexual offense cases.
Specialized Appointments - Appoint trained Special Judges and female public prosecutors for POCSO cases.
Modernization of Courts -Upgrade courtrooms with audio-video systems, digital records, and e-case filing.
Forensic Lab Support - Increase forensic labs and train manpower for timely DNA report submissions.
Child-Friendly Courts - Establish Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centers (VWDCs) and deploy child psychologists to support victims.

Reference