India's Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) have made significant strides in clearing a backlog of sensitive criminal matters, disposing of more than 3.66 lakh cases since their re-launch in October 2019. However, the judicial system continues to grapple with a substantial caseload, as over 2.45 lakh cases remain pending across these courts as of December 31, 2025.
The Union Law Ministry recently provided these figures in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, underscoring both the successes and persistent challenges faced by the FTSCs. The data emerges as the Centre proposes establishing new fast-track courts specifically for cases related to exam paper leaks, following nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak.
Origin and Mandate of Fast Track Special Courts
The concept of fast-track courts was initially recommended by the Eleventh Finance Commission in 2000 to alleviate the burden on district and subordinate courts. The current FTSC scheme, however, was re-launched in October 2019. This initiative followed recommendations from the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, the Fourteenth Finance Commission, and directives from the Supreme Court, with a primary focus on expediting trials for cases involving rape and offenses under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The scheme operates as a centrally sponsored initiative, with funding shared between the Union government and individual states. The Centre's portion of the funding is drawn from the Nirbhaya Fund, established to support initiatives for women's safety.
Key Statistics and State Performance
As of April 30, 2026, 775 FTSCs were operational across 29 States and Union Territories. This network includes 398 exclusive courts dedicated to POCSO cases. While the cumulative disposal rate since 2019 stands at 3,66,124 cases, the pendency figure of 2,45,579 cases highlights the ongoing demand for judicial resources.
- Total Functional FTSCs: 775
- Exclusive POCSO Courts: 398
- States/UTs Covered: 29
- Cases Disposed (Since 2019): 3,66,124
- Pending Cases (As of Dec 31, 2025): 2,45,579
State-wise data reveals significant variations in deployment and performance. Uttar Pradesh leads the country with the largest network of 218 courts, including 74 exclusive POCSO courts, and has recorded the highest cumulative disposal rate of 91,459 cases since the scheme's inception. Madhya Pradesh follows with 67 courts and 32,113 disposals, while Kerala's 55 courts have cleared 26,202 cases.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite their effectiveness in accelerating the resolution of sensitive cases, FTSCs face several challenges. The initial allocation of courts was based on the number of pending rape and POCSO cases, with one court sanctioned for every 65-165 such cases. However, not all States and Union Territories have fully embraced the program; some, like Arunachal Pradesh, opted not to participate due to low case numbers, while others, such as Jharkhand, have exited the scheme.
With the government's plan to extend the fast-track model to paper leak cases, the experience of existing FTSCs offers valuable lessons. Sustained infrastructure development, adequate judicial capacity, and timely appointments of judges and staff will be crucial to prevent new backlogs as the mandate of these specialized courts expands. The ongoing challenge remains balancing the need for swift justice with the systemic capacity to deliver it effectively.