Jharkhand exits FTSC Scheme, leaving 0 functional courts in state

The question asked the Ministry of Law and Justice to provide details on the number of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) and exclusive POCSO Courts, case statistics, funds released, and measures taken to improve disposal rates and address vacancies. The Ministry of Law and Justice provided the official response.

Asked and answered by: Asked by: Shri Rajkumar Chahar and Shri Janardan Mishra; Answered by: Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice.

What the government said

• As of 30.04.2026, 775 FTSCs (including 398 exclusive POCSO Courts) were functional in 29 States/UTs.
• The FTSC Scheme, launched in October 2019, has been temporarily extended up to 30th September 2026.
• In 2025, 1,43,936 cases were registered, 66,500 were disposed of, and 2,45,579 were pending as on 31st December 2025.
• A total of ₹1259.51 crore has been released to States/UTs under the FTSC Scheme since its inception.
• Funds are released on a 60:40 or 90:10 Central-State sharing pattern to cover salaries of one Judicial Officer and 7 support staff per court, plus a Flexi Grant.
• Recruitment of judges and staff is the responsibility of State/UT Governments and High Courts, not the Union Government.
• Infrastructure development is primarily the responsibility of State/UT Governments, though the Union provides financial assistance via a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (₹4,519.47 crore provided during the XV Finance Commission cycle).

Also in the document

• The answer states that Jharkhand has decided to exit the FTSC Scheme vide a letter dated 07.07.2025, resulting in 0 functional courts in that state.
• The answer clarifies that filling up vacant positions of judicial officers and developing infrastructure are constitutional responsibilities of State/UT Governments, not the Union Government, though the Union provides financial assistance for infrastructure.
• The data for 2025 shows a significant increase in registered cases (1,43,936) compared to 2024 (88,902), while the number of disposed cases decreased (66,500 in 2025 vs 85,595 in 2024).