Cabinet Extends Fast-Track Courts Scheme Till 2031

The Union Cabinet has approved a five-year extension of the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) scheme, including exclusive POCSO courts, to speed up the disposal of rape and child sexual abuse cases. The extended scheme will remain in operation from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031, with a total budget allocation of over ₹3,788 crore.

Under the initiative, 850 special courts will function across participating states and Union Territories. Each court will have a dedicated judicial officer, a special public prosecutor and six support staff to ensure speedy hearings and reduce the backlog of pending cases under the POCSO Act, 2012, and rape-related offences.

The Centre’s share of the expenditure will be met through the Nirbhaya Fund. The extension is aimed at ensuring faster trials, reducing delays in the justice system and providing timely justice to survivors of sexual offences.