Union Minister Criticizes West Bengal on Fast-Track Courts

Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, has criticized the West Bengal government for failing to operationalize 123 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) allocated for handling a backlog of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases. Despite the allocation, none of the courts were functional until mid-June 2023, and as of June 30, 2024, only six exclusive POCSO courts had been established. Devi's letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted the urgent need for the state to utilize national helplines for women's safety, which have not been implemented. The Centre emphasized that 752 FTSCs are currently operational across other states, having disposed of over 253,000 cases since the scheme's inception in 2019. Devi urged the state government to act swiftly in activating the remaining courts and implementing safety measures. Banerjee's recent call for tougher central laws is juxtaposed with the Centre's response, pointing to state inaction as a significant barrier to addressing rising sexual violence.