New Delhi, Nov. 4 -- The union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a five-year extension of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), dedicated to the speedy trial of rape cases and sexual offences against children, including those registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. The scheme, involving a total financial outlay of Rs 3,788.04 crore, will continue until March 31, 2031, with the government planning to increase the number of operational courts from 779 to 850.
The decision is aimed at accelerating trials of sexual offences against women and children, reducing the substantial backlog of pending cases and strengthening the specialised judicial mechanism for dealing with suc...