While Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushes for fast-track courts to tackle paper leak scandals, official data reveals a staggering backlog of over 2.45 lakh cases in existing special courts.
Key Takeaways
- Pending cases in Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) have surged to 2,45,579.
- In 2025, only 66,500 cases were disposed of despite 1,43,936 new registrations.
- The central government has released ₹1,259.51 crore for FTSC operations since 2019.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure swift trials in high-profile paper leak cases. However, recent data tabled by the Union Law Ministry in Parliament presents a sobering reality: the nation's existing Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) are struggling under a massive mountain of pending litigation.
The Growing Pendency Crisis
In response to queries by BJP MPs, Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal informed the Lok Sabha that as of December 31, 2025, there were 2,45,579 pending cases in FTSCs. This is a significant increase from the 2,04,122 cases reported at the end of 2024. The data highlights a widening gap between case registration and disposal; while 1,43,936 new cases were filed in 2025, the courts managed to resolve only 66,500.
The efficiency of fast-track systems depends less on the designation of the court and more on the density of judicial officers available to hear them.
Why This Matters: A BozokMedia Analysis
BozokMedia analysis shows that the current trajectory of the FTSC scheme is unsustainable. Despite the central government releasing over ₹1,259 crore to states, the disposal rate is failing to keep pace with the influx of new cases. This suggests that the bottleneck is not merely financial, but structural, involving judicial vacancies and administrative delays at the state level.
Historical Background
The FTSC scheme was launched in October 2019 to expedite trials for heinous crimes, including rape and POCSO cases. As of April 2026, 775 FTSCs, including 398 exclusive POCSO courts, are operational across 29 States and Union Territories. The responsibility for filling judicial vacancies remains with the respective State governments and High Courts.
| Metric | End of 2024 | End of 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| New Cases Registered | - | 1,43,936 |
| Cases Disposed | - | 66,500 |
| Total Pending Cases | 2,04,122 | 2,45,579 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the primary purpose of FTSCs?
They are designed for the expeditious disposal of sensitive cases, particularly those involving rape and POCSO.
2. Why is the backlog increasing despite new courts?
The increase is driven by a high rate of new case filings outpacing the current capacity of judicial officers and infrastructure.
