Status of Fast Track Courts

The Government has discontinued the scheme of central assistance to States for Fast Track Courts (FTCs) since 1.4.2011. However, several States have continued Fast Track Courts from their own resources. Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister of Law & Justice, said that in the judgement given by the Supreme Court on 19.04.2012 in Transfer Case (Civil) No. 22 of 2001- Brij Mohan Lal and Others versus Union of India and Others, the Supreme Court has directed that States shall continue Fast Track Courts Scheme only if this is made a permanent feature. They (States) are at a liberty, however, to decide whether to continue the Scheme or not. Fifteen State Governments have conveyed their decision in regard to continuation or otherwise of the FTCs.