What happened?
On 25 July 2026, PIB carried a Ministry of Law and Justice reply giving the latest official status of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) and the scheme timeline.
Key facts
- The FTSC scheme was launched in October 2019 for speedy trial of pending cases related to rape and offences under the POCSO Act, 2012.
- The official release says the scheme has been temporarily extended till 30 September 2026.
- As per the information made available by the High Courts, 775 FTSCs, including 398 exclusive POCSO courts, were functional across 29 States and UTs as of 30 April 2026.
- The release states that the Centre has released Rs 1,259.51 crore to States and UTs under the scheme since inception.
- Funding follows the Centrally Sponsored Scheme sharing pattern of 60:40 and 90:10, depending on the category of State or UT.
- The note says regular review meetings are held with States, UTs and High Courts to improve compliance and speed up justice delivery.
Why it matters
This matters because questions on justice delivery often combine institutions, funding patterns and vulnerable-group protection laws. FTSCs are also a concrete example of Centre-State coordination in the judicial support system.
Exam takeaway
Keep three figures together: 775 functional FTSCs, 398 exclusive POCSO courts, and the scheme’s temporary extension till 30 September 2026.
Source metadata
Authority: Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Law and Justice
Publication date: 25 July 2026
Official source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2289464&lang=1®=3
Useful excerpt
Official source highlight: 775 FTSCs, including 398 exclusive POCSO courts, were functional across 29 States and UTs, and the scheme stands extended till 30 September 2026.