The Supreme Court of India has ordered States to address the backlog in fast track courts handling gender-based crimes. This decisive action reinforces that justice for women must not be delayed.

Fast Track Courts Failing to Deliver Gender Justice

On 25 July 2025, the Supreme Court of India criticized several Indian States and Union Territories for failing to ensure the proper functioning of Fast Track Courts (FTCs) set up to handle sexual offences and crimes against women.

Justice Renu Awasthi called the growing backlog a “betrayal” of the promise made to survivors after the 2012 Nirbhaya case, when stricter laws and special courts were introduced to ensure timely justice.

Data Highlights Stark Gaps in Implementation

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a women’s rights coalition exposed significant lapses:

• Over 50% of FTCs created after 2013 and 2018 remain vacant or under-staffed

• Rape trials often take 2 to 3 years to conclude

• Survivors experience repeated trauma due to prolonged proceedings

The National Commission for Women (NCW) also highlighted that many States have not established child-friendly courts or witness protection units, despite obligations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).

Supreme Court’s Directives to the States

The Court issued clear and time-bound instructions:

• Submit updated data on court vacancies and judicial appointments

• Share timelines for filling posts in fast track courts

• Implement witness protection mechanisms and create child-friendly courtrooms immediately

Justice Awasthi reminded all States that justice for women is a constitutional mandate, not a matter of budget availability. Rights under Article 15 and Article 21 of the Constitution of India must be upheld with urgency.

What Lies Ahead

The case is scheduled to return in August 2025. Should States continue to delay compliance, the Court may appoint special monitoring panels to oversee implementation directly.

Rights groups see this ruling as a turning point—one that may finally align India’s strong legal framework with the efficient and sensitive justice delivery that survivors of gender crimes have long awaited.