Fast Track Special Courts for Rape and POCSO Cases

Context

On 4 November 2026, the Union Cabinet approved continuation of the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) Scheme from FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31. The scheme provides for expansion from 779 functional FTSCs to up to 850 courts, including exclusive POCSO Courts.

Scheme Architecture

1. Purpose: FTSCs provide dedicated trials for pending rape and POCSO Act cases, concentrating judicial resources on serious sexual offences and supporting faster disposal.
2. Origin: The scheme was launched on 2 October 2019, following the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 and judicial concern over high pendency of sexual-offence cases.
3. Exclusive POCSO Courts: Districts with heavy POCSO caseloads can have courts devoted exclusively to such cases, enabling more specialised handling.
4. Existing network: 779 FTSCs, including 399 exclusive POCSO Courts, are functional and have disposed of more than 4.02 lakh cases since inception.

Major Features of the 2026 Expansion

1. Wider coverage: The network is being expanded to 850 FTSCs, directing additional judicial capacity towards districts with higher pendency.
2. Financial support: The five-year continuation has an outlay of ₹3,788.04 crore, with the Central share funded through the Nirbhaya Fund.
3. Dedicated staffing: Each FTSC will have one Judicial Officer, one exclusive Special Public Prosecutor and six support staff, strengthening specialised case management.
4. Local access to justice: Expansion into additional districts can reduce dependence on distant courts and improve access for victims and witnesses.

Implementation and Monitoring

1. Department of Justice: The scheme is implemented by the Department of Justice in coordination with State Governments and UT administrations.
2. Performance tracking: The FTSC Dashboard, progress reports and expenditure statements monitor court functioning, case disposal and fund utilisation.
3. Institutional coordination: Regular engagement with High Courts and States helps identify operational gaps and improve implementation.

Significance

1. Reduced pendency: Dedicated courts can increase disposal capacity where rape and POCSO caseloads are high.
2. Specialised justice: Dedicated prosecutors and staff enable greater institutional focus on sensitive sexual-offence trials.
3. Victim-sensitive delivery: Localised and specialised courts can make participation in the justice process less burdensome for victims.
4. Judicial accountability: Digital monitoring links additional funding and staffing with measurable court performance.

FAQs

Q1. What are Fast Track Special Courts?
Dedicated courts for expeditious trial of rape and POCSO cases.

Q2. When was the FTSC Scheme launched?
On 2 October 2019.

Q3. How many FTSCs are proposed under the extended scheme?
Up to 850 courts.

Q4. Who staffs each FTSC?
One Judicial Officer, one exclusive Special Public Prosecutor and six support staff.

Q5. How is the scheme monitored?
Through the FTSC Dashboard, progress reports, expenditure monitoring and coordination with High Courts and States.