NEW DELHI, 15 Sep: Law Minister Kiren Rijiju has written to the chief justices of the high courts (HC) 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.
In the letter, the minister noted that, of the 1,800 FTCs recommended by the 14th Finance Commission, only 896 were functional as of 31 July and more than 13.18 lakh cases are pending in these courts.
In the case of the FTSC set up under a centrally-sponsored scheme for hearing rape and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases, he noted that, of the 1,023 courts sanctioned, 731 were operational as of 31 July across 28 states and union territories.
The minister highlighted that more than 3.28 lakh cases are pending in the FTSCs, “which is an alarming situation.”
Rijiju’s letter to the chief justices of the high courts came after a thorough review of the FTCs and FTSCs by the law ministry.
“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 through increased share of fund devolution to states and as urged by the union government,” the minister said in the letter dated 2 September.
“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 said.
The law minister also urged the chief justices to give necessary instructions and support to the courts concerned to ensure speedy disposal of cases and prevention of backlogs.
He also suggested that they set up a strict monitoring mechanism for 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,” Rijiju said. (PTI)