A notice was issued to the Central Government by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in the Writ Petition (Civil) No.568 of 2012 on 4.01.2013. The writ petition pertained to the protection of women and children against heinous crimes.

The Government of India took immediate steps for the establishment of FTCs by urging the High Court Chief Justices to prioritize the prompt handling of pending rape cases through setting up of FTCs. A similar request was also made to the Chief Ministers of the States.

The 14th Finance Commission (FC) set up by the Government of India had recommended the setting up of 1800 FTCs during 2015-2020 for speedy trial of specific cases of heinous nature, civil cases related to women, children, senior citizen, disabled persons, persons infected with terminal ailments etc. and property related cases pending for more than 5 years. Setting up of (FTCs) and allocation of funds is required to be done by the State Governments as per their need and resources, in consultation with the respective High Courts. The FC had urged upon the State Governments to utilize enhanced fiscal space available through tax devolution (32% to 42%) for this purpose. The Union Government has also urged the State Governments/UTs to allocate funds for the setting up of FTCs from the Financial Year 2015-16 onward. In this regard, the State Governments/ UTs have set up 848 FTCs as on 31.10.2023.

To implement the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 and comply with the directives of the Supreme Court to establish Special Courts exclusively dealing with POCSO Act cases, the Government devised a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in August 2019. This Scheme aimed to establish Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including exclusive POCSO Courts nationwide for expeditious disposal of rape and POCSO Act cases. The FTSC Scheme was launched initially for one-year w.e.f. 02.10.2019 spread over two Financial Years 2019-20 and 2020-21 at a total outlay of ₹ 767.25 Cr. with      ₹ 474 Cr. as Central Share. The Cabinet in its meeting held on 04.08.2021 further approved the continuation of the Scheme for two more financial years (FY 2021-22 and FY 2022-23) up to 31.03.2023 at a total outlay of ₹ 1572.86 Cr. with ₹ 971.70 Cr. as central share.

The Union Cabinet has now extended the Scheme for another three years i.e. from 01.04.2023 to 31.03.2026 at a total outlay of Rs. 1952.23 cr. with Rs. 1207.24 cr. as Central Share. The Central share is to be met from the Nirbhaya Fund. The fund-sharing pattern of the Scheme is 60:40 (Centre: State) and 90:10 for the North Eastern and 3 Himalayan States/UTs. However, 100% Central fund is provided for Union Territories without legislature.

As per the data submitted by High Courts, as on 31.10.2023, 758 FTSCs including 412 exclusive POCSO Courts are functional in 30 States/UTs. These courts have disposed more than 2,00,000 cases as on 31.10.2023.

This information was given by the MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS; MINISTER OF STATE FOR THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

 

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SS/AKS

(Release ID: 1986756)