Centre extends 850 fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in rape, Pocso cases

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the strengthening and extension of 850 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including exclusive courts dealing with cases of rape and sexual offences against children, to expedite trials and ensure time-bound disposal of pending cases.

Announcing the Cabinet decision, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the government was committed to firmly dealing with cases of atrocities against women and children.

Briefing reporters on the decisions taken by the Cabinet, Vaishnaw said the move was part of the government's efforts to ensure the full utilisation and implementation of existing laws, while also bringing in new legislation to deal with such cases.

"The Cabinet has approved the strengthening and extension of 850 fast-track courts, specifically to address cases of child abuse and rape. It is our government’s firm commitment whenever such vulnerabilities or issues arise in society, whether they involve atrocities against women or threats to the well-being of the next generation, we will take decisive action," he said.

The minister added, "This includes fully leveraging existing laws, enacting new legislation where necessary, and ensuring more effective implementation. As part of this ongoing effort to deliver swifter justice, the Cabinet has sanctioned the extension and strengthening of these 850 fast-track courts."The decision aims to strengthen the mechanism for speedy trials in cases of rape and offences covered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, 2012.

The Centrally Sponsored Scheme for setting up Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including exclusive Pocso (ePocso) courts, was introduced in October 2019. The scheme followed the enactment of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, and an order of the Supreme Court.

These specialised courts are dedicated to conducting time-bound trials and ensuring the disposal of pending cases related to rape and offences under the Pocso Act.

With Wednesday's approval, the government aims to strengthen and extend the network of 850 fast-track courts to expedite the judicial process in cases involving sexual assault and rape of children.

Vaishnaw said the decision reflected the government's commitment to taking firm action against crimes targeting women and children, through the effective implementation of existing legal provisions and the introduction of additional legislation where required.- Ends