Cabinet extends Fast Track Special Courts Scheme till 2031: Key facts, Background, Major Objectives and Challenges

Why in news?

On 4 November 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation and expansion of the Fast Track Special Courts Scheme for the period 2026-27 to 2030–31.

Key Facts

What are Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs)?

• Dedicated courts established to ensure the speedy trial and disposal of specific categories of criminal cases.
• In India, Fast Track Special Courts under this centrally sponsored scheme primarily deal with pending rape cases and cases involving sexual offences against children under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
• These courts aim to reduce delays in judicial proceedings by providing dedicated judicial officers, prosecutors and supporting personnel.

Major Objectives of FTSCs

• Speedy Justice: Ensure faster disposal of rape and POCSO cases.
• Reduce Pendency: Reduce the backlog of pending sexual offence cases.
• Victim Protection: Provide a safe and supportive environment for survivors.
• Child-Friendly Justice: Facilitate sensitive handling of child victims.
• Judicial Efficiency: Improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system through dedicated resources.

Background: When and Why Was the Scheme Launched?

• The Fast Track Special Courts Scheme was launched on 2 October 2019 by the Central Government.
• Its introduction was closely associated with the need to strengthen the judicial mechanism for dealing with sexual offences, particularly following the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018.

Important developments

• 2012: Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was enacted.
• 2013: Criminal Law (Amendment) Act strengthened legal provisions relating to sexual offences.
• 2018: Criminal Law (Amendment) Act introduced stricter provisions, including enhanced punishment for rape and sexual offences against children.
• 25 July 2019: Supreme Court issued directions in Suo Motu Writ (Criminal) No. 1/2019 regarding special courts for POCSO cases.
• 2 October 2019: Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Fast Track Special Courts was launched.
• 2026: Union Cabinet approved its continuation until 31 March 2031 and expansion to 850 courts.

Supreme Court's Role

• On 25 July 2019, the Supreme Court issued directions in Suo Motu Writ (Criminal) No. 1/2019 concerning the establishment of exclusive Special Courts in districts having more than 100 pending cases under the POCSO Act.
• This direction became an important foundation for the establishment of dedicated Fast Track Special Courts across the country. 

Financial Structure of the Scheme

• The government has approved a total financial outlay of ₹3,788.04 crore for the five-year extension.
• The funding will be shared between the Central Government and participating States/UTs.

What is the Nirbhaya Fund?

• The Nirbhaya Fund is a non-lapsable corpus established by the Government of India in 2013 to support initiatives aimed at improving the safety and security of women.
• It was created following the 2012 Delhi gang rape case, which generated nationwide concern about women's safety.

How will each Fast Track Special Court function?

What is the POCSO Act, 2012?

• The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 is a special legislation enacted to protect children from sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography.
• It came into force on 14 November 2012.
• The Act provides a child-friendly system for reporting, recording evidence, investigation and trial of offences.

Important Features of the POCSO Act

Important Provisions of the POCSO Act

• Section 3: Penetrative Sexual Assault
• Section 5: Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault
• Section 7: Sexual Assault
• Section 9: Aggravated Sexual Assault
• Section 11: Sexual Harassment
• Section 13: Use of Child for Pornographic Purposes
• Section 28: Designation of Special Courts
• Section 29: Presumption as to Certain Offences
• Section 30: Presumption of Culpable Mental State
• Section 33: Procedure and Powers of Special Courts
• Section 35: Period for Recording Evidence of Child and Disposal of Case

Existing Status and Performance of Fast Track Special Courts

What are Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centres (VWDCs)?

• These centres aim to provide a supportive environment for vulnerable witnesses, particularly children and survivors of sexual offences, while recording their statements.
• Key Features are: 
  • Safe Environment: Provides a more comfortable environment for vulnerable witnesses.
  • Reduced Trauma: Helps reduce the psychological stress associated with court proceedings.
  • Privacy: Supports privacy and protection during testimony.
  • Child-Friendly Facilities: Encourages age-appropriate arrangements for child witnesses.
  • Better Testimony Process: Helps witnesses participate in judicial proceedings with greater confidence.

Role of the Department of Justice in Implementation

• Monitoring: Tracking the performance of FTSCs through the online FTSC Dashboard.
• Progress Reviews: Collecting periodic reports from participating States and UTs.
• Coordination: Consulting High Courts and State Governments.
• Financial Monitoring: Reviewing expenditure statements and utilisation of funds.
• Expansion: Identifying additional districts based on case pendency.
• Performance Evaluation: Monitoring disposal of pending rape and POCSO cases.

Challenges in the Effective Implementation of FTSCs

• Judicial Vacancies: Shortage of judges can affect the functioning of specialised courts.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Several districts require better courtrooms and supporting facilities.
• Increasing Case Pendency: New cases may continue to enter the judicial system faster than cases are disposed of.
• Victim Protection: Survivors may face social stigma, intimidation and psychological pressure during trials.
• Quality of Investigation: Delays in investigation and collection of evidence can slow down trials even in specialised courts.

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