The Indian judicial system establishes Fast Track Courts (FTC) after consulting with respective High Courts to provide swift justice. These honorable courts aim to provide rapid access to justice and form a significant part of the legal framework.
Centrally Sponsored Scheme
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the continuation of Fast Track Special Court (FTSCs) as, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) from 01.04.2023 to 31.03.2026 with financial implication of Rs. 1952.23 crore (Rs. 1207.24 crore as Central Share and Rs. 744.99 crore as State share).The Nirbhaya Fund will fund the Central Share. They launched the Scheme on 02.10.2019.
Establishment:
- The Central Government enacted the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act in 2018, which introduced stricter punishments, including the death penalty for rape offenders.
- Subsequently, authorities set up the FTSCs to ensure the swift dispensation of justice for such cases.
Ministry:
Implemented by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice.
Features of Fast Track Special Court
- The Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice, implements it as a centrally sponsored scheme to establish FTSCs for the timely disposal of cases related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) since August 2019.
- Initially commencing in October 2019 for one year, the scheme underwent an additional two-year extension until March 31, 2023, and has now received a further extension until March 31, 2026, with a financial outlay of Rs. 1952.23 crore.
- The Nirbhaya Fund funds the Central Share.
- Dedicated courts, designed to ensure the swift dispensation of justice, offering quick relief to victims while strengthening the deterrence framework for sexual offenders, constitute these extensions.
- The Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice, serves as the nodal ministry.
- It augments State Government resources for establishing FTSCs across the country, ensuring the swift disposal of cases related to rape and the POCSO Act.
- All States/Union Territories have participated in the Scheme, operationalizing 761 FTSCs, including 414 exclusive POCSO Courts.
- The expected outcomes of the scheme are:
- 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.
- Reduce the burden of cases to a manageable number.
Read Also: POCSO Act
FAQs
Q1. How many Fast Track Court In India?
Ans1.The Centrally Sponsored Scheme expects India to have 1023 Fast Track Special Courts. Each court constitutes 1 Judicial Officer and 7 Staff Members. The Indian state governments have taken a noble initiative that will surely help people seek justice.
Q2. How do you transfer case to a Fast Track Court?
Ans2. To transfer a case to a Fast Track Court, you need to put an application in the court to hasten the matter by expressing the causes. If the court does not get back to you, apply to the high court to suggest to the lower court.
Q3.What is Fast Track Court?
After consulting with respective High Courts, authorities establish Fast Track Courts (FTC) to provide swift justice. These honorable courts are meant to offer rapid access to justice and constitute a significant part of the Indian judicial system.