(a) whether fast track courts have been set up in Bihar;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether funds required for proper functioning of fast track courts are not being released;
(d) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(e) the amount of funds released for Bihar to carry out the said work during the last three years including the amount of funds utilised out of the funds released for the purpose?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF LAW & JUSTICE, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)
(a) to (e): Setting up of subordinate courts including Fast Track Courts (FTCs) and its functioning comes within the domain of the State Governments in consultation with the respective High Courts. Considering the need for setting up of FTCs for specific nature of cases pending in Courts viz. cases of heinous nature, civil cases involving senior citizen women and children and other marginalized section of society and civil
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disputes involving land acquisition etc. pending for more than five years, the Union of India proposed setting up of 1800 FTCs at a total cost of Rs. 4144 Cr. during the period of 2015-2020, in its memorandum to the 14th Finance Commission, including 147 no. of FTCs and an amount of Rs.338.43 cr to the State of Bihar. The Commission endorsed the proposal and urged the State Governments to use the enhanced fiscal space provided by the Commission in the tax devolution (32% to 42%) to meet the requirements.
As per information obtained from the Patna High Court, out of 147 FTCs recommended under the auspices of the 14th Finance Commission, at present, 57 FTCs are functional in the State of Bihar. The details of funds released and utilized for FTCs for the last three years is as under:
(Rs. in Crore)
Financial Year Funds allocated Funds released Funds utilized
2017-18 67.04 17.66 08.52
2018-19 67.686 18.574 08.33
2019-20 40.00 10.43* 06.01
* Funds released and utilised till 31-12-2019.