What happened: FTSCs for POCSO cases expanded and scheme extended
The Ministry of Law and Justice stated that Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including exclusive POCSO (ePOCSO) courts, are functional across most of India and that the FTSC scheme has been extended again. The government reported the latest functional status (as on 30 April 2026) and extended the scheme temporarily to support continued trial and disposal of pending POCSO-related cases.
Latest functional status of FTSCs
As per information provided by High Courts, as on 30.04.2026, 775 FTSCs were functional in 29 States/UTs. The Ministry also reported that these include 398 exclusive POCSO courts, also described as e-POCSO courts.
FTSC scheme extension
The Ministry said the Centrally Sponsored Scheme to set up FTSCs was launched in October 2019 for expeditious trial and disposal of pending cases related to rape and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. The FTSC scheme had been extended twice before, with the last extension valid up to 31.03.2026 for establishing 790 FTSCs. The Ministry reported a temporary extension of the FTSC scheme up to 30 September 2026.
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