Srinagar, Aug 01 (KNO): The Union Ministry of Law and Justice has disclosed that only four Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) are currently operational in Jammu and Kashmir, including two exclusive POCSO courts, despite a growing backlog of sexual offence cases.
According to official data submitted in the Lok Sabha, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), 808 cases have been instituted in these courts in the region since the scheme’s implementation. Of these, only 311 cases have been disposed of, indicating a disposal rate of just 38.5% as of June 30, 2025.
The average time for completion of trial in Jammu & Kashmir is among the highest nationally: Rape cases: 1,095 days (3 years). POCSO cases: 730 days (2 years).
These figures raise serious concerns about the timely delivery of justice to victims of sexual violence, particularly minors.
Between FY 2019–20 and 2024–25, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 8.58 crore to Jammu and Kashmir under the FTSC scheme. However, no funds have yet been released for the current financial year (2025–26), despite an overall national budget of Rs 200 crore.
Nationally, the scheme has sanctioned 763 FTSCs, of which 653 courts across 31 States and UTs are functional. Jammu & Kashmir lags significantly in both court count and case disposal efficiency.
The FTSCs were launched in October 2019 to ensure swift justice in rape and POCSO cases, following directions from the Supreme Court. But in Jammu & Kashmir, the infrastructure and resource constraints appear to be undermining this objective—(KNO)