INDIA 🔗 Part of: Indian Government Actions and Policy Developments (39) · 05 Nov 2026 · 06:14 GMT ·2 min read

India Extends Fast Track Special Courts Scheme Through 2031 to Address Rape and POCSO Case Backlog

The Union Cabinet approved a five-year extension for 850 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) to expedite rape and child abuse cases.

NEUTRALITY 79 · BALANCED· 4 sources

The Union Cabinet approved a five-year extension for 850 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) to expedite rape and child abuse cases. The scheme runs from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031. It aims to expand the current network of 779 courts. The total budget is ₹3,788.04 crore (37.88 billion rupees). The Centre contributes ₹2,353.15 crore (23.53 billion rupees) from the Nirbhaya Fund. States provide the remaining funds. Each court employs a judicial officer, a special public prosecutor, and six support staff. The initiative adds child-friendly spaces and Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centres.

Context

The government launched the special courts initiative following the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act of 2018. A Supreme Court directive in July 2019 mandated exclusive special courts in districts with high numbers of pending cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The scheme began on October 10, 2019. Officials have extended the program to ensure the time-bound disposal of child sexual abuse cases. The current authorization runs through March 31, 2031. This extension covers all participating States and Union Territories.

Supportive perspectives

The Union Cabinet approved a total financial outlay of ₹3,788.04 crore for the extended FTSC scheme. The Centre will contribute ₹2,353.15 crore from the Nirbhaya Fund, while States and Union Territories will provide ₹1,434.89 crore.
The Union Cabinet approved this scheme for a five-year extension of the "Fast Track Special Courts" on November 4, 2026. The program will run until March 31, 2031. The government plans to expand the network from 779 to 850 courts to process rape and child abuse cases. These courts will operate across 29 states and Union Territories to expedite the disposal of pending legal matters.
Each Fast Track Special Court (FTSC) employs a judicial officer, a special public prosecutor, and six support staff. The program also supports the creation of Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centres and child-friendly court spaces.

Critical perspectives

The extended scheme requires participation from 29 states and Union Territories to reach its goals. These jurisdictions must contribute a combined total of ₹1,434.89 crore ($171 million USD) to meet the program's financial requirements.
The program remains a long-term effort to address systemic delays in the judicial process, having disposed of 4,02,457 cases related to rape and offences under the POCSO Act since its inception in 2019, according to an official statement.
The implementation of the scheme relies on the Centrally Sponsored Scheme funding pattern, which requires coordination between the Centre and state governments. This structure necessitates ongoing administrative alignment to ensure all 850 courts become fully operational.