SRINAGAR: The Union Government has said that Jammu and Kashmir is operating only four Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) to deal with rape and POCSO cases, even as pendency levels continue to rise across the Union Territory. The information was provided in the Lok Sabha by the Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal in response to an unstarred question on crimes against children and women.
According to the data placed before the House, Jammu and Kashmir has four functional FTSCs, of which two are exclusive POCSO courts. These courts were established under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in October 2019 following the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 and directions of the Supreme Court for time-bound trials in rape and POCSO cases. Nationwide, the Minister said, 773 FTSCs, including 400 exclusive POCSO courts, are currently operational across 29 States and Union Territories. These courts have collectively disposed of 3,50,685 cases since the scheme’s inception.
In Jammu and Kashmir, however, the courts appear to be struggling with rising pendency. At the end of 2023, the UT had 453 pending rape and POCSO cases in FTSCs. By the end of 2024, the backlog had increased to 509. Despite registering fewer new cases during January to September 2025, pendency still stood at 494. The annual trend also shows limited disposal. FTSCs in the UT disposed of only 41 cases in 2023, 112 in 2024, and 75 cases in the first nine months of 2025.
The Government maintained that the primary responsibility for setting up special courts rests with States and Union Territories in consultation with their respective High Courts. While the Centre funds the FTSC scheme through the Nirbhaya Fund—with an overall outlay of Rs 1952.23 crore and Rs 1207.24 crore as the Central share—States must designate or operationalise courts based on need and available resources. The scheme, originally designed for 790 courts, has been extended twice and will now run up to March 31, 2026.
On whether more courts would be sanctioned, the Government said it continues to engage with States and Union Territories to operationalise additional FTSCs wherever needed. The reply cited the recent example of Uttarakhand, which received three new courts on request. No such request from Jammu and Kashmir was specifically mentioned in the reply.
On the question of appointing women judges or prosecutors in these courts, the Minister clarified that recruitment for District and Subordinate Judiciary lies with State Governments and the concerned High Courts under Articles 233, 234 and the proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution. Rules governing appointments, the Government said, are framed by States in consultation with their High Courts.
The data presented to Parliament indicates that while Jammu and Kashmir has a modest FTSC footprint compared with larger States, its pendency levels remain significant relative to the limited disposal being recorded annually. With the scheme entering its final extension period, the UT’s ability to strengthen these courts—either through expansion or improved staffing, will determine whether it can reduce the growing backlog in cases involving crimes against women and children.
