Jammu and Kashmir continues to witness a high pendency of cases related to crimes against women and children, with nearly 500 cases pending in Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), according to data released by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice.
While the disposal of cases has shown some improvement, official figures indicate that the backlog in the Union Territory’s special courts has remained persistently high over the past three years, largely due to limited judicial capacity and other systemic constraints.
The data shows that J&K had 453 pending cases at the end of 2023, which increased to 509 cases by December 2024. As of September 2025, the pendency stood at 494 cases, reflecting only a marginal reduction despite ongoing disposals.
Limited Number of FTSCs in J&K
At present, Jammu and Kashmir operates four Fast Track Special Courts, including two exclusive POCSO courts, which deal with cases of rape and child sexual abuse. This number is significantly lower compared to larger States such as Uttar Pradesh, which has 218 FTSCs, and Madhya Pradesh, which operates 67 such courts.
Nationwide, a total of 773 FTSCs, including 400 exclusive POCSO courts, are functional across 29 States and Union Territories, the data revealed.
Rising Case Registrations
The figures also indicate a steady rise in new case registrations in J&K. The Union Territory recorded 76 new cases in 2023, followed by a sharp increase to 164 cases in 2024. In the first nine months of 2025, another 60 fresh cases were registered.
On the disposal front, J&K’s FTSCs disposed of 41 cases in 2023, 112 cases in 2024, and 75 cases between January and September 2025. However, these disposal rates have not been sufficient to significantly reduce the overall backlog.
About the FTSC Scheme
The Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the establishment of Fast Track Special Courts, including exclusive POCSO (ePOCSO) courts, was launched in October 2019 following the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 and a suo motu direction of the Supreme Court.
The scheme aims to ensure time-bound trials and speedy disposal of pending cases related to rape and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. It envisaged the setting up of 790 FTSCs across the country and has been extended twice, with the current phase valid until March 31, 2026.
The total financial outlay under the scheme is Rs 1,952.23 crore, including a Central share of Rs 1,207.24 crore from the Nirbhaya Fund.
States Responsible for Implementation
The Ministry of Law and Justice clarified that while funding is provided under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the responsibility for operationalising and expanding FTSCs lies with States and Union Territories in consultation with their respective High Courts. Recruitment of judges, prosecutors and supporting staff, including women officers, is also a State-level responsibility under the constitutional framework.
Experts noted that although FTSCs across the country have disposed of over 3.5 lakh cases since their inception, smaller States and Union Territories like J&K require urgent expansion of judicial infrastructure.
“Enhanced judicial capacity is essential to reduce pendency and ensure timely justice in sensitive cases involving women and children,” experts said.
