The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 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.
The scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹3,788.04 crore and aims to strengthen the judicial system’s capacity to ensure faster trials and reduce pending cases involving rape and offences against children under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The Central Government will contribute ₹2,353.15 crore, while States and Union Territories will contribute ₹1,434.89 crore. The Centre’s share will be funded through the Nirbhaya Fund.
850 Fast Track Special Courts Planned
- Under the extended scheme, the government plans to increase the number of Fast Track Special Courts from the existing 779 to 850 across participating States and Union Territories.
- The expansion will cover additional districts based on the pendency of rape and POCSO cases.
Each court will have:
- One dedicated Judicial Officer.
- One Special Public Prosecutor.
- Six support staff members.
These arrangements are intended to improve court functioning and facilitate the faster disposal of pending cases.
Over 4 Lakh Cases Disposed of Since 2019
- According to the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Fast Track Special Courts scheme was launched on October 2, 2019.
- Since its launch, the courts have disposed of 4,02,457 cases involving rape and offences under the POCSO Act.
- Currently, 779 Fast Track Special Courts, including 399 exclusive POCSO courts, are functional across 29 States and Union Territories.
- The government expects the continuation and expansion of the scheme to strengthen the judicial response to sexual offences and reduce the backlog of cases.
Focus on Victim Friendly Court Facilities
- The scheme also emphasises creating a child friendly and victim centric judicial environment.
- It encourages the establishment of Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centres (VWDCs) and child friendly court facilities to enable victims, particularly children, to provide testimony in a safer and less stressful environment.
- The Department of Justice will monitor the performance of these courts through an online FTSC Dashboard, periodic progress reports and consultations with High Courts and State Governments.
Background of the Scheme
- The Fast Track Special Courts scheme was introduced following the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, and the Supreme Court’s directions dated July 25, 2019.
- The Supreme Court had directed the establishment of exclusive special courts in districts having more than 100 pending POCSO cases.
- The scheme was initially launched for one year and subsequently extended up to March 31, 2026. The latest Cabinet approval ensures its continuation until March 31, 2031.
- The government aims to improve the disposal rate of pending cases, strengthen judicial infrastructure and facilitate timely justice for women and children affected by sexual offences.
The extended scheme is expected to strengthen India’s judicial response to rape and child sexual abuse cases through dedicated courts, specialised legal support and improved victim-friendly facilities.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Law and Justice, November 4, 2026.
