Cabinet extends special-court funding and plans wider coverage for sexual-offence trials
Where it stands
The Cabinet has extended funding for Fast Track Special Courts handling rape and child sexual-offence cases. The Cabinet’s 4 November 2026 approval covers 2026–27 to 2030–31. Its ₹3,788.04 crore outlay is shared by the Centre and states. The scheme provides for 850 courts, compared with 779 currently functioning, according to the government’s release. Additional districts will be identified using the number of pending cases. Each supported court will have a dedicated judicial officer, a special public prosecutor and six support staff. A prosecutor presents the state’s criminal case in court. Giving these trials dedicated staff is intended to help cases move through the system with fewer competing demands. The scheme also encourages child-friendly court spaces and facilities that help vulnerable witnesses give evidence. Its practical aim is better access to timely trials for women and children affected by sexual offences.
Background
A criminal case needs a court, a judge, prosecution staff and administrative support to proceed. When many cases await hearings, that capacity affects how quickly a trial can move. Special courts direct resources towards a defined group of cases. The Fast Track Special Courts scheme began in 2019 for rape cases and offences under the child-protection law called POCSO. It includes courts dealing exclusively with POCSO cases. Successive funding extensions have supported the existing network. The new approval continues that support and provides for wider district coverage. The Department of Justice will work with states and Union Territories, while High Courts provide feedback on implementation. Pending-case data will guide expansion, linking additional resources to the places where cases are waiting.
How it developed
-
4 November 2026How it started
The extension supports existing courts and expansion based on pending cases
The approved scheme continues support through 2030–31 and provides for 850 Fast Track Special Courts, including exclusive POCSO courts. The government reports 779 functioning courts in the present network. The Centre’s share will come from the Nirbhaya Fund. Participating states and Union Territories will receive operational support under the scheme’s funding pattern. Expansion into additional districts will be based on the number of pending rape and POCSO cases.
Why it matters for UPSC
For GS2, examine how judicial staffing and court capacity affect access to justice. Connect the funding arrangement with cooperation between the Centre, states and High Courts.
Key terms
Sources (2)
- Cabinet / PIB · official · Five-year continuation of Fast Track Special Courts scheme5 Nov, 12:55 pm
- Prime Minister’s Office · official · Earlier continuation of the Fast Track Special Courts scheme5 Nov, 12:55 pm