Important for UPSC Prelims: Polity | Governance
About the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) Scheme
- Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) are dedicated courts established for the speedy trial of rape and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
- It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) implemented by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice.
- Launched: 2 October 2019.
- The scheme introduced the following:
- Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, and
- Supreme Court’s directions in Suo Motu Writ (Criminal) No. 1 of 2019 for expeditious disposal of POCSO cases.
Why was the Scheme Introduced?
- To reduce the backlog of rape and POCSO cases.
- Based on the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 and Supreme Court directions (2019).
- FTSC Scheme launched on 2 October 2019.
Funding Pattern
- General States & UTs with Legislature: 60 : 40 (Centre : State)
- North-Eastern & Himalayan States: 90 : 10
- UTs without Legislature: 100% Central Funding
- Central share is funded through the Nirbhaya Fund.
Objectives
- Ensure speedy trials of rape and POCSO cases.
- Reduce pendency in cases of sexual offence.
- Deliver timely justice to survivors.
- Strengthen the criminal justice system.
Key Features
- Dedicated courts for rape and POCSO cases.
- Includes Exclusive POCSO (e-POCSO) Courts.
- Each FTSC has 1 Judicial Officer and 7 supporting staff.
- Covers judges’ salaries, staff and operational expenses.
- Target disposal: Around 165 cases per court annually.
| Related Initiatives Nirbhaya Fund • Established in 2013 by the Government of India. • Finances projects aimed at improving the safety and security of women. • Administered by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD). • Funds several initiatives, including the Fast Track Special Courts Scheme. Exclusive POCSO Courts (e-POCSO Courts) • Special courts that deal only with offences under the POCSO Act, 2012. • Ensure child-friendly procedures and faster disposal of cases involving child victims. |
| The concept has been elaborately discussed in the following article Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) Scheme |