The Broken Promise of Fast-Track Justice: Policing, Forensics, and Empty Deadlines

 In India, the concept of fast-track courts has long been touted as a solution to the rising crimes against women. Yet, with nearly 50% of cases still pending, are these courts truly delivering justice?

A Tragic Incident Sparks Outrage

Recently, the tragic rape and murder of a junior medic at Kolkata's RG Kar hospital sent shockwaves across the country. What followed was an outpouring of solidarity from junior medics in various cities who went on strike. Despite the nationwide uproar, the investigation seems to be faltering. The CBI, which took over the case, has shifted focus to corruption charges, even as the prime suspect’s claims remain questionable.

This disturbing case raises a much larger question: Are fast-track courts, forensic labs, and policing working in tandem to deliver justice, or are they simply another cog in a failing system?

The Fast-Track Courts’ Illusion of Speed

In the wake of this incident, West Bengal introduced the Aparajita Women and Child Bill, 2024, which promises a swift investigation of rape cases within 21 days and trials completed in 30 days. On paper, this seems like a game-changer. But in reality, India's fast-track courts are severely clogged. With over 2 lakh pending cases and a success rate of just over 50%, they are as bogged down as regular courts.

Even though the central government extended the fast-track court scheme until 2026, the funds allocated from the Nirbhaya Fund are far from enough. The situation becomes even more frustrating when we realize that the 14th Finance Commission had recommended the establishment of 1,800 fast-track courts—yet only 851 are operational today.

Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied

Can speeding up case resolutions actually help reduce crimes against women? Faster resolutions can indeed shorten the trauma period and offer victims a chance for quicker recovery. However, India’s current system is far from equipped to handle such cases efficiently. The forensic backlog, understaffed courts, and political interference create a system where fast-tracked justice feels more like wishful thinking.

The Political Blame Game

After the horrific incident in Kolkata, Bengal claimed to have 88 fast-track courts funded by the state, while the central government pointed out that Bengal had not operationalized any of the 17 courts allocated under the central scheme. This isn’t new. Centre-state blame games often overshadow the real issue—victims of violent crimes are left to suffer, while politicians squabble.

The Harsh Reality

Fast-tracking justice, without addressing the core issues of poor policing, forensics, and political meddling, is a recipe for failure. Until significant funds are allocated and actual reforms are made on the ground, the rush to "fix" the system offers little more than false hope. The victims remain burdened, and justice continues to be an elusive dream.