Fast Track Special Courts
Source: PIB
GS II: Governance
Overview
- About Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs)
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of Fast Track Special Court (FTSCs) as, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) from 01.04.2023 to 31.03.2026.
About Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs)
Need for (FTSCs)
- Incidents involving the rape of girl children and women have deeply impacted the nation.
- frequency of such incidents and the prolonged trials of offenders necessitated the establishment of a dedicated court system.
- The Central Government enacted the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act. 2018.
- The act which included stringent punishment, including the death penalty for rape offenders, led to the creation of the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs).
Functioning of FTSC
- FTSCs designed as dedicated courts.
- They are expected to ensure swift dispensation of justice, offering quick relief to victims while strengthening the deterrence framework for sexual offenders.
- As per the directions of the Supreme Court of India in a suo moto Writ Petition, the scheme mandated the establishment of exclusive POCSO Courts for districts with over 100 POCSO Act cases.
- It was implemented by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice.
Current status of the Fast Track Special Courts
- Thirty States/Union Territories have participated in the Scheme.
- Operationalizing 761 FTSCs, including 414 exclusive POCSO Courts.
- All of which have resolved over 1,95,000 cases.
- These courts support State/UT Government efforts to provide timely justice to victims of sexual offenses.
- It helps to give justice for even in remote and far-flung areas.
- Fast Track Special Courts financial implication of Rs. 1952.23 crore.
- Rs. 1207.24 crore as Central Share.
- Rs. 744.99 crore as State share.
- Central Share is to be funded from Nirbhaya Fund.
- The Scheme was launched on 02.10.2019.
Expected Outcomes
- 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.
- Lessen the burden of cases to a manageable number.
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