SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has four functional Fast Track Special Courts, including two exclusive POCSO courts, established to handle cases of rape and offences against children, according to new data tabled in the Lok Sabha.
The figures are part of a wider assessment of Special Courts functioning across the country under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2019.
The Ministry of Law and Justice informed Parliament that 773 Fast Track Special Courts, including 400 exclusive POCSO courts, are operational in 29 States and Union Territories as of September 30, 2025. These courts have collectively disposed of 350685 cases since the scheme began. The scheme, initially sanctioned for 790 courts, has been extended until March 31, 2026 with a financial outlay of Rs 1952.23 crore, including Rs 1207.24 crore as the central share through the Nirbhaya Fund.
Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of such courts at 218, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 67 and Kerala with 55. Bihar has 54, while Rajasthan has 45 functioning courts. Several States have no operational courts under the scheme, including Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Ladakh.
The data also shows wide variation in court performance. Uttar Pradesh registered 33314 cases and disposed of 12114 between January and September 2025, and had 94826 cases pending. Bihar registered 5922 cases, disposed of 4442 and had 22934 cases pending during the same period. Maharashtra recorded an unusually high registration figure of 39653 cases and disposed of 472, leaving 33630 cases pending.
The Ministry said that the responsibility for setting up Special Courts rests with State and Union Territory administrations in consultation with High Courts. The Centre continues to encourage operationalisation of more Fast Track Special Courts. Uttarakhand has been allocated three additional courts on request.
On the appointment of women judges and prosecutors, the Government stated that recruitment for judicial positions is handled by State Governments and High Courts under constitutional provisions. The Centre added that it regularly engages with States through monitoring committees to strengthen the functioning and capacity of these courts.
