The Union Law Ministry has informed Parliament that Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) — the dedicated courts for time-bound trials of rape and POCSO cases — carry a backlog of over 2.49 lakh pending cases as of April 2026, despite disposing of cases faster than regular courts.
Basic Details
Functional Courts: 775 FTSCs, including 398 exclusive POCSO courts, operating across 29 States/UTs.
Mandated Trial Timeline: 1 year from the date of taking cognizance.
Funding: Nirbhaya Fund, shared between Centre and States in a 60:40 ratio; ₹1,259.51 crore released to States/UTs since inception.
Scheme Deadline: Extended to 30 September 2026.
Why the Backlog Persists
Inflow Outpacing Disposal: 1.43 lakh new cases were registered in 2025, against just 66,500 disposals in the same year.
New Category Added: The Prime Minister has announced setting up additional fast-track courts specifically for examination paper-leak cases, adding to the system's caseload.
Significance
Faster than Regular Courts: FTSCs still dispose of cases at a markedly higher rate than ordinary trial courts, even though the backlog keeps growing.
Justice for Vulnerable Groups: Since FTSCs handle rape and POCSO cases exclusively, delays here disproportionately affect survivors of sexual violence and children.