(Video) Rajya Sabha TV (RSTV) The Big Picture: Sexual Crime: Fast-tracking Justice

Topic: Sexual Crime: Fast-tracking Justice

Guest:

P. K. Malhotra, (Former Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice, GoI)
Rekha Aggarwal, (Advocate Supreme Court)

Topic Description:

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the continuation of over 1000 Fast Track Special Courts to ensure faster delivery of justice to victims of sexual offences, as a centrally sponsored scheme for another two years. These include 389 exclusive POCSO courts to expedite trials and provide immediate relief to minor girls who are victims of sexual crimes. The continuation of the scheme, which was started on October 2, 2019, involves a total outlay of more than Rs 1,572 crore. Rs 971 crore is provided by the Centre from the Nirbhaya Fund, the remaining amount is expected to be provided by states. Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju called it a major step towards de-clogging the justice system. The government says besides providing quick justice to the hapless victims, the Fast Track Court mechanism strengthens the deterrence framework for sexual offenders. But how effective has this mechanism been in nearly two years of its existence? How do we need to strengthen it further to ensure swift dispensation of justice?