Fast-track special courts slow as backlog mounts; nearly 2.5 lakh cases pending
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Centre announced fast-track courts for paper leak cases after the 2026 NEET fiasco, but existing Fast-Track Special Courts (FTSCs) for rape and POCSO cases are struggling with mounting backlogs. Annual disposals dropped by over 22% in 2025, while pendency rose to nearly 2.5 lakh cases, highlighting structural challenges in the justice delivery system.
Background
Fast-Track Special Courts (FTSCs) were introduced in October 2019 under a central scheme to expedite trials in rape and POCSO cases. The scheme aimed to reduce the time victims wait for justice by setting up dedicated courts across states. Despite initial progress, rising case inflows, judicial vacancies, and infrastructure constraints have led to growing backlogs.
Key facts
Annual disposals by FTSCs dropped to 66,500 in 2025 from a record 85,595 in 2024, a decline of over 22%.
Pending cases rose from just over 2 lakh at end-2024 to nearly 2.5 lakh by end-2025.
Since 2021, pendency has increased by nearly one-third, from around 1.8 lakh to nearly 2.5 lakh.
The FTSC scheme currently operates 775 courts, including 398 exclusive POCSO courts, against a target of at least 790.
FTSCs have disposed of nearly 3.9 lakh cases since inception, but pendency remains high.
Fresh cases continue to outnumber disposals, indicating a structural challenge.
Effectiveness varies widely across states due to differing workloads and infrastructure.
Prelims pointers
- Fast-Track Special Courts (FTSCs) for rape and POCSO cases
- Scheme introduced in October 2019
- 775 courts operational (398 exclusive POCSO courts)
- Target: at least 790 courts
- POCSO Act, 2012
- NEET 2026 paper leak case
Mains angles
- GS2 Polity: Issues related to judicial reforms, pendency, and fast-track courts
- GS2 Governance: Challenges in implementation of central schemes for justice delivery
- GS2 Social Justice: Protection of vulnerable groups (rape and POCSO victims) and access to justice