Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Tuesday that the Delhi Government will establish 53 new Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) across the city to expedite the resolution of cases related to crimes against women and children.
Orders to this effect have already been issued, effective immediately, according to an official statement.
Currently, 16 such courts are operating on a temporary or ad-hoc basis in Delhi, and these will be converted into permanent courts.
Gupta emphasized that the safety of women and children is a top priority for her government.
“We want to ensure that victims are not forced to wait for years to receive justice. This move will not only guarantee timely justice but will also strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of women’s empowerment and a safer India. With this decision, women in Delhi will now be able to move forward with greater confidence and a stronger sense of security. This is not just about increasing the number of courts, but a long-term initiative to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of the justice delivery system,” she said, as quoted in the official release.
The Chief Minister also revealed that more than 17,000 cases related to crimes against women and children are currently pending in Delhi’s courts, with the slow pace of hearings delaying justice for victims and their families.
This issue was addressed several months ago during a high-level meeting of the Task Force on Women’s Safety, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena. The Lieutenant Governor issued directives stressing that women’s safety must remain a top priority and that immediate, concrete actions be taken.
Following these instructions, Chief Minister Gupta directed relevant departments to take prompt action. The Law Department subsequently consulted with the Delhi High Court. Based on the High Court’s recommendations and the Finance Commission’s report, the government was informed that 37 additional Fast Track Special Courts were urgently required.
The Delhi Government has committed to ensuring that the necessary infrastructure, judicial officers, and supporting staff are appointed as soon as possible to facilitate the swift operation of these new courts.