Fast Track Courts (FTCs) Context: The Prime Minister announced the establishment of Fast Track Courts to expedite the trial of cases related to the leakage of public examination question papers. About Fast Track Courts: Fast Track Courts (FTCs) are special courts established to speedily dispose of important and long-pending cases. Objective: To reduce the backlog of cases and ensure the 'right to a speedy trial' under Article 21 of the Constitution. These are not separate constitutional courts; rather, they are temporary courts functioning as part of the existing subordinate judiciary. Legal and Constitutional Basis: There is no single central legislation governing Fast Track Courts. They are established through recommendations of the Finance Commission, government schemes, and High Court notifications. Under Article 14 of the Constitution, the allocation of cases to Fast Track Courts must follow a reasonable classification; it must not be arbitrary. Evolution: 2000: Recommended by the 11th Finance Commission to resolve pending cases. 2015–20: The 14th Finance Commission recommended setting up 1,800 Fast Track Courts for heinous crimes and old civil cases. 2019: A scheme for 'Fast Track Special Courts' was launched under the 'Nirbhaya Fund' to handle cases related to rape and POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act). Implementation: Established by state governments in consultation with High Courts. The Central Government provides financial and policy support. Scope General Fast Track Courts (FTCs): Handle serious criminal and civil cases. Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs): Exclusively try cases related to sexual assault and those under the POCSO Act. Key Features: Provisions under BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita): Trials must be completed within 2 years. Cases related to sexual offenses must be concluded within 2 months. Each FTSC aims to dispose of 165 cases annually. Currently, approximately 862 FTCs and 774 FTSCs (including 398 exclusive POCSO courts) are…
