Cabinet Extends Fast Track Special Courts Scheme for Five More Years

The [Union Cabinet](/topic/union-cabinet), chaired by the [Prime Minister](/prime-minister-celebrates-crpfs-historic-zero-casualty-milestone-2), has approved the continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) for a further period of five years, from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031. This decision, made on November 4, 2026, aims to expedite the trial of cases related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The total financial outlay for this extended scheme is Rs.3,788.04 crore, with the Central Government contributing Rs.2,353.15 crore and the remaining Rs.1,434.89 crore coming from State and Union Territory (UT) shares. The Central Share will be funded from the Nirbhaya Fund.

The primary objective of the FTSC Scheme is to provide a swift judicial response to sexual offences, particularly those affecting women and children. The continuation of the scheme is expected to significantly impact the judicial landscape by reducing the backlog of cases and ensuring timely justice for victims. The scheme has been operational since October 2, 2019, and has undergone several extensions to maintain dedicated fast-track courts for these sensitive cases.

The Department of Justice will implement the scheme in coordination with respective State Governments and UT Administrations. The expansion of the scheme aims to increase the number of FTSCs to 850, targeting districts with a high pendency of rape and POCSO cases. This strategic move is anticipated to enhance the judicial infrastructure and capacity to handle such cases effectively.

The FTSC Scheme was launched in response to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, following directives from the Hon'ble [Supreme Court of India](/topic/supreme-court-of-india). The Supreme Court mandated the establishment of exclusive special courts in districts with over 100 pending cases under the POCSO Act. The initiative reflects a robust commitment to addressing the grave issue of sexual violence and ensuring that justice is not delayed.

Since its inception, the scheme has seen a significant number of cases disposed of, with a total of 402,457 cases resolved as of now. The establishment of exclusive POCSO Courts within the FTSC framework has been pivotal in addressing the unique challenges posed by cases involving minors.

The operational framework of the FTSC Scheme is designed to ensure efficiency and accountability. The Department of Justice regularly monitors the functioning of FTSCs through the FTSC Dashboard, which provides real-time data on case progress and court performance. Periodic data collection from High Courts and review meetings with stakeholders are integral to maintaining the scheme's effectiveness.

The proposed expansion to 850 FTSCs will involve identifying additional districts based on the current backlog of cases. This data-driven approach is expected to optimize resource allocation and enhance the judicial response to sexual offences.

The financial commitment of Rs.3,788.04 crore over the next five years underscores the government's dedication to combating sexual violence and supporting victims. The allocation from the Nirbhaya Fund, established to enhance the safety and security of women, will play a crucial role in funding this initiative.

The continuation of the FTSC Scheme is not just a financial investment but a societal imperative aimed at fostering a safer environment for women and children. By ensuring that cases are tried expeditiously, the scheme aims to restore faith in the judicial system and provide a sense of justice to victims and their families.

The FTSC Scheme's extension is a critical step towards ensuring that victims of sexual offences receive the justice they deserve without unnecessary delays. As the scheme moves forward, its impact will be closely monitored to ensure that it meets its objectives and continues to adapt to the evolving judicial landscape.