Law Minister Kiren Rijiju has written to the Chief Justices of High Courts to accelerate the process of setting up fast track courts (FTC) and fast track special courts (FTSC) in their respective States to hear cases of heinous crimes against women, children, and senior citizens.
The letter, dated September 2, has emerged in the public domain after the news of the rape and murder of two minor Dalit girls in Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh.
In the letter, Mr. Rijiju noted that of the 1,800 FTCs recommended by the 14th Finance Commission, only 896 were functional as of July 31 and more than 13.18 lakh cases were pending in these courts.
In the case of FTSCs or Fast Track Special Courts set up under a Centrally-sponsored scheme for hearing cases of rape and cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Minister noted that of the 1,023 courts sanctioned, only 731 were operational across 28 States and Union Territories as on July 31.
3.28 lakh cases pending
The Minister highlighted that more than 3.28 lakh cases were pending in the FTSCs, which was “an alarming situation”.
The Law Minister’s letter to the Chief Justices of High Courts follow a detailed review of the FTCs and FTSCs.
“In view of the huge pendency of cases, the balance number of FTCs in your respective jurisdiction may be set up with due consultation of the State government as envisaged in the 14th FC [Finance Commission] through increased share of fund devolution to States and as urged by the Union government,” Mr. Rijiju said in his letter.
“As per the centrally sponsored scheme of FTSCs, the remaining number of courts in your respective jurisdiction may be set up and operationalised on a priority basis,” he added.
The Law Minister also urged the Chief Justices to give necessary instructions and support to ensure a speedy disposal of cases and prevent backlog of cases.
He also suggested setting up a strict monitoring mechanism for a time-bound disposal of cases by the FTCs and the FTSCs.
“As the safety and security of our women, children as well as other marginalised categories are of paramount concern, the need for robust functioning of the earmarked FTCs and FTSCs becomes highly imperative,” Mr. Rijiju said.
