Fast Track Special Courts Scheme Extended with 775 Courts Operational
The Ministry of Law and Justice has extended the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) until September 30, 2026, following two previous extensions. The scheme, originally launched in October 2019, aims to expedite trial and disposal of pending cases related to rape and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
As of April 30, 2026, 775 FTSCs are functional across 29 States and Union Territories, including 398 exclusive POCSO (e-POCSO) courts. Uttar Pradesh has the largest network with 218 functional courts, followed by Madhya Pradesh (67), Bihar (54), and Kerala (55). Notably, Jharkhand exited the scheme in July 2025 and currently has zero functional FTSCs.
Case Disposal Performance and Pendency Trends
The data reveals concerning trends in case management: in 2023, 81,471 cases were registered with 76,319 disposed, resulting in 202,175 pending cases by year-end. The situation worsened in 2024 with 88,902 new registrations against 85,595 disposals, increasing pendency to 204,122 cases. Most significantly, 2025 saw a dramatic surge in new cases to 143,936 while disposals dropped to 66,500, escalating pending cases to 245,579 by December 31, 2025.
Funding Mechanism and Allocation Patterns
The scheme operates on a Centrally Sponsored pattern with varying fund sharing ratios (Central share: State share :: 60:40, 90:10) covering salaries for one Judicial Officer and seven support staff per FTSC plus a Flexi Grant for day-to-day expenses. Since inception, the Department has released ₹1,259.51 crore to States/UTs, with consistent annual allocations of ₹200 crore in each of the last three fiscal years (2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26). Major recipients include Uttar Pradesh (₹47.26 crore in 2023-24, ₹53.83 crore in 2024-25, ₹13.29 crore in 2025-26), Kerala (₹25.40 crore, ₹13.58 crore, ₹26.28 crore), and Madhya Pradesh (₹15.38 crore, ₹16.54 crore, ₹21.33 crore).
Infrastructure Development and Governance Framework
While primary responsibility for judicial infrastructure rests with State/UT Governments, the Union Government supports through a separate Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Development of Infrastructure Facilities for District and Subordinate Courts. This scheme provides financial assistance for five components: Court Halls, Residential Units, Lawyers' Halls, Toilet Complexes, and Digital Computer Rooms. During the XV Finance Commission cycle, ₹4,519.47 crore was provided to States/UTs under this infrastructure scheme.
The governance structure involves regular review meetings via Video Conferencing with States/UTs and High Courts, with the Law Minister corresponding with Chief Ministers and Chief Justices regarding compliance with POCSO Act timelines and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. FTSC performance is also discussed in Inter-State Zonal Council meetings to improve inter-governmental coordination. Recruitment of judges and staff remains the responsibility of State/UT Governments and concerned High Courts under Constitutional provisions (Article 309 read with Articles 233 and 234).