In a major policy decision aimed at strengthening the criminal justice ecosystem and curbing procedural delays in sensitive gender-based violence cases, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially approved a five-year continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs). The extension comes backed by a substantial financial outlay of ₹3,788.04 crore, intended to expedite proceedings, clear persistent trial pendency, and secure swift verdicts in heinous offences concerning rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Welcoming the strategic development, Prime Minister Modi took to X to emphasize the administration’s pledge to judicial efficiency, underscoring the transition “From less delay to faster justice!” as an institutional shield for women and children across India.
₹3,788 Crore Outlay: Nirbhaya Fund Drives Central Grant Allocation
The financial architecture for the newly extended five-year operational roadmap establishes a shared funding framework between New Delhi and regional administrations, deploying a total corpus of ₹3,788.04 crore. The central government will shoulder the majority commitment with an allocation of ₹2,353.15 crore, while state governments and Union Territory administrations will jointly contribute ₹1,434.89 crore. The Union government’s financial liability is set to be directly mobilized through the dedicated Nirbhaya Fund, ensuring reliable fiscal disbursement to participating states to cover recurring judicial expenditures, infrastructure maintenance, and essential institutional resources without administrative bottlenecks.
Network Expansion: 850 Dedicated Benches with Specialized Deposition Centres
Under the approved expansion roadmap, the national footprint of Fast Track Special Courts will expand from the existing 779 functional establishments to 850 dedicated courtrooms nationwide, prioritizing districts bearing the heaviest caseloads of pending sexual assault and child abuse trials. To guarantee undivided legal focus, each specialized bench is staffed with an exclusive judicial officer, a dedicated Special Public Prosecutor, and a designated team of six support personnel. Furthermore, these courts are systematically equipped with state-of-the-art Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centres and customized, trauma-informed courtroom spaces, shielding survivors from visual intimidation and creating a secure, child-friendly atmosphere during vital depositions.
Over 4 Lakh Cases Disposed: Real-Time Digital Monitoring via FTSC Dashboard
The operational efficacy of these specialized judicial forums will remain subject to strict central surveillance, with the Department of Justice tracking performance metrics via the online FTSC Dashboard alongside scheduled review meetings with respective High Courts and state law departments. Originally launched on October 2, 2019, pursuant to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, and directives of the Supreme Court, the initiative has already demonstrated tangible structural results across 29 states and Union Territories. To date, the functional network of 779 courts—including 399 benches dedicated exclusively to POCSO matters—has successfully resolved over 4,02,457 pending cases, establishing an essential legal bulwark to deliver speedy justice and deter sexual violence across the country.