About Fast Track Special Court (FTSC):
- It was formulated 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) in August 2019.
- Initially commenced in October 2019 for one year, the scheme was extended for an additional two years until March 31, 2023.
- Now it has been further extended until March 31, 2026, with a financial outlay of Rs. 1952.23 crore.
- Fund: The Central Share is funded from the Nirbhaya Fund.
- These are designed as dedicated courts which are expected to ensure swift dispensation of justice, offering quick relief to victims while strengthening the deterrence framework for sexual offenders.
- Nodal Ministry: It is implemented by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice.
- 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.
