Context
The proposal to expand Fast-Track Courts has renewed attention to their legal basis, jurisdiction and performance. Although intended to expedite trials, many FTCs continue to face heavy pendency, infrastructure shortages and judicial vacancies.
Explanation:
- Fast-Track Courts (FTCs) are special courts created through government schemes and judicial directions; there is no single central law governing all FTCs.
- They were initially recommended by the 11th Finance Commission to clear long-pending criminal cases.
- Fast-Track Special Courts primarily try rape cases and offences under the POCSO Act, 2012.
- Under Article 14, creation of a special court must rest on a reasonable classification and serve a legitimate objective.
- In State of West Bengal v. Anwar Ali Sarkar (1952), arbitrary selection of cases for special trial was invalidated.
- High Courts may designate courts for speedy trial, but case allocation must follow objective criteria.
- FTCs remain constrained by judicial vacancies, weak infrastructure, prosecution delays, forensic shortages and frequent adjournments.
- Speedy trial forms part of Article 21, but expedition cannot override due process and fair-trial safeguards.
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