Overview:
The Indian government has approved the continuation of the Fast Track Special Court (FTSC) Scheme, a critical initiative for expediting justice in cases of sexual offenses. This decision aligns with the government's commitment to enhancing the safety and security of women and children.
Key Features of the Scheme:
Duration: Extended from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2026.
Financial Allocation: Rs.1,952.23 crore, split between the Central (Rs.1,207.24 crore) and State (Rs.744.99 crore) governments, funded partly by the Nirbhaya Fund.
Origins: Initiated in 2019 post the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, which provided for stringent punishment for rape.
Focus: Expedited trials for cases related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
POCSO Courts: Exclusive courts for districts with over 100 POCSO Act cases, as mandated by the Supreme Court.
Scope and Reach: Currently, 30 States/UTs have operationalized 761 FTSCs, including 414 exclusive POCSO Courts.
Cases Resolved: These courts have adjudicated over 1,95,000 cases.
Impact and Goals:
Efficient Justice Delivery: Aims to reduce prolonged trials and provide timely justice to victims of sexual offenses.
National Coverage: Enhances judicial capacity across the country, including remote areas.
Reducing Case Backlog: Addresses the significant backlog of pending rape and POCSO cases.
Victim Support: Ensures victims receive justice without undue delay, helping to mitigate the trauma associated with prolonged legal processes.
Challenges and Critiques:
Implementation Gaps: Some States have not fully operationalized the promised number of courts.
Resource Allocation: The effectiveness of the scheme depends on adequate resourcing and infrastructure support for these courts.
Conclusion:
The extension of the FTSC Scheme underlines India's dedicated effort to combat sexual crimes and protect vulnerable populations. By accelerating the judicial process and ensuring the effective implementation of the law, the scheme represents a crucial step towards a more responsive and sensitive justice system.
SRIRAM’s
