Cabinet extends Fast Track Special Courts scheme for rape and POCSO cases until 2031
The ₹3,788-crore scheme will continue for five years, with the number of Fast Track Special Courts set to increase from 779 to 850 to expedite trials involving sexual offences against
Under the extended scheme, the number of functional Fast Track Special Courts is proposed to increase from the current 779 to 850 across participating states and Union Territories.
NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including exclusive POCSO courts, for another five years from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031, with a total financial outlay of ₹3,788.04 crore.
The scheme aims to expedite the trial of rape cases and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and strengthen access to timely justice for women and children.
The approved outlay comprises a Central share of ₹2,353.15 crore and a state and Union Territory share of ₹1,434.89 crore. The Central government’s contribution will be funded through the Nirbhaya Fund.
Under the extended scheme, the number of functional Fast Track Special Courts is proposed to increase from the current 779 to 850 across participating states and Union Territories. The expansion will be based on the pendency of rape and POCSO cases, with additional districts identified for coverage.
Each court will have a dedicated judicial officer, a Special Public Prosecutor and six support staff to facilitate the speedy disposal of pending cases. The scheme also provides financial assistance to participating states and Union Territories towards operational expenditure.
The Department of Justice will monitor the courts through the FTSC Dashboard, periodic progress reports and expenditure statements submitted by states. Consultations with High Courts and state governments will also form part of the monitoring process.
The scheme encourages the establishment of Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centres and child-friendly court facilities to enable victims to testify in an environment that minimises further distress.
According to the government, 779 Fast Track Special Courts, including 399 exclusive POCSO courts, are currently functional across 29 states and Union Territories. Since the scheme began, these courts have disposed of 4,02,457 cases.
Originally launched on October 2, 2019, the scheme was introduced following the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, and the Supreme Court’s directions of July 25, 2019, in a suo motu writ petition concerning the establishment of exclusive special courts in districts with more than 100 pending POCSO cases.
The five-year extension is intended to expand the courts’ reach, improve the disposal of pending cases and strengthen the judicial response to sexual offences, particularly those involving women and children.
