(a) whether the Government has proposed to set up Fast Track Courts (FTCs) for speedy trial of cases involving politicians/legislators;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the time by which it is likely to be established?
ANSWER
Minister of State for Law & Justice and Corporate Affairs
(SHRI P.P. CHAUDHARY)
(a) to (c): Setting up of subordinate courts including Fast Track Courts lies within the domain of the State Governments who set up such courts as per their need and resources, in consultation with the respective High Courts.
In Writ Petition (Civil) No.699/2016 (Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay Vs UoI & Anr), the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on the 01st November, 2017 had directed the Union Government to prepare a scheme for setting up of Special Courts exclusively to deal with criminal cases involving elected MPs/MLAs. A draft Scheme had accordingly been submitted before the Hon’ble Supreme Court for implementation. The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India vide its Order dated 14.12.2017 has approved the Scheme and directed the Union Government to proportionately allocate the amount to be incurred to the different states in which the proposed Special Courts are planned to be located forthwith and thereafter the State Governments will make necessary arrangements of judicial officers, staff and infrastructure in consultation with the High Courts. The Union Government has released the funds earmarked for the financial year 2017-18 to the State Governments (where applicable) and as per orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court the said Courts had to start functioning from 01.03.2018.