Efficiency of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs)

Context

With an disposal rate of 96.28%, Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) have notably expedited justice for survivors of sexual crimes by ensuring swift legal proceedings in cases of rape and offenses under the POCSO Act.

Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs)

• They are dedicated courts set up in India to lessen the pendency of cases involving heinous crimes like rape and child sexual abuse by delivering time-bound justice.
• Establishment: Initiated in 2019 by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice, as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with funding shared between the central and state governments.
  • 60:40 (Centre:States) for maximum States/UTs with Legislature.
  • 90:10 for Northeastern and Hilly States/UTs.
• Target: Under the Scheme, a total of 790 FTSCs, including different POCSO (e-POCSO) courts, are to be established.
  • Each FTSC is anticipated to do away with 41-42 cases per quarter and at least 165 cases annually to ensure timely justice and case backlog reduction.

Need for Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs)

• The Supreme Court of India in 2019 issued directives for the rapid disposal of POCSO cases as both the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and the POCSO Act, 2012 mandate strict timelines for investigation and trial.
• Inadequate judicial sources leading to extended trials. Delayed justice fails to serve victims and weakens the regulation’s deterrent impact.
• By rushing up the judicial procedure, FTSCs assist to deliver a clear message that society will not tolerate these crimes.

Key Recommendations by Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA)

• Continuation of the Scheme: FTSCs ought to preserve, as they may be vital for ensuring streamlined and expedited trials in cases of sexual violence.
• Strengthening Judicial Infrastructure: States and High Courts have to appoint special judges skilled in coping with POCSO cases. Ensure sensitization training for judicial officials and workforce.
• Technological Upgradation of Courtrooms: Equip court with audio-video recording systems, e-filling of cases & digitization of court data. 
• Strengthening Forensic Support: Increase the number of Forensic Labs & teach manpower with necessary skills.
  • Ensure timely submission of DNA reviews, thereby accelerating trials and ensuring honest justice.
• Establishment of Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centres (VWDCs): Set up VWDCs in every district to allow sensitive and child-friendly recording of testimonies.
  • Appoint a child psychologist at each FTSC to assist sufferers by the pre-trial and trial approaches.

Source: The Indian Express

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. We are witnessing increasing cases of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest Some innovative measures to tackle this menace. (2014)

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