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775 Fast Track Special Courts operational; FTSC scheme extended to Sept 2026

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity

PolityGovernanceJudiciary

Why in news

The central government has extended the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) scheme, including exclusive POCSO courts, until September 30, 2026. As of April 30, 2026, 775 FTSCs are operational across 29 states/UTs, handling rape and POCSO cases. The extension aims to expedite justice for sexual offences against women and children.

Background

The FTSC scheme was launched in October 2019 as a centrally sponsored scheme to fast-track trials of rape and POCSO cases. It has been extended twice previously, with the last extension until March 31, 2026. The scheme provides for judicial officers and support staff, with funding shared between centre and states (60:40 for most states, 90:10 for NE/Himalayan states).

Key facts

in5points

  1. 775 FTSCs operational in 29 states/UTs as of 30 April 2026, including 398 exclusive POCSO (e-POCSO) courts.

  2. Scheme extended temporarily until 30 September 2026.

  3. In 2025, 1,43,936 cases were filed, 66,500 disposed, and 2,45,579 pending as of 31 Dec 2025.

  4. Total funds released since inception: ₹1259.51 crore.

  5. Funding pattern: Centre:State = 60:40 (general) or 90:10 (NE/Himalayan states).

  6. Each FTSC includes one judicial officer and 7 support staff, plus a flexi grant for operational expenses.

  7. Regular review meetings via video conferencing with states/UTs and High Courts.

  8. Inter-State Regional Council meetings also review FTSC functioning.

  9. Recruitment of judicial officers is the responsibility of state governments in consultation with High Courts under Articles 233, 234, and 309.

  10. Infrastructure development for district/subordinate courts is primarily a state responsibility, with central assistance under a separate CSS since 1993-94.

Prelims pointers

  • Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) scheme
  • Exclusive POCSO (e-POCSO) courts
  • POCSO Act, 2012
  • Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
  • Articles 233, 234, 309 of the Constitution
  • Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS)
  • 15th Finance Commission
  • Inter-State Regional Council

Mains angles

  • GS2: Role of judiciary and fast-track courts in addressing pendency and delivering justice, especially for sexual offences.
  • GS2: Centre-state relations in judicial administration and infrastructure funding.
  • GS2: Government schemes for vulnerable groups (women and children) and their effectiveness.
  • GS2: Issues of judicial vacancies and recruitment under Articles 233-234.