Union Minister Annapurna Devi Slams Mamata Banerjee Over Alarming Delays in Fast Track Special Courts Setup

Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, has raised serious concerns about the West Bengal government’s delay in operationalizing Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), aimed at handling rape and POCSO Act cases. In a letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Minister highlighted significant discrepancies in managing these urgent cases.

The Minister noted that while West Bengal has set up 88 Fast Track Courts, these are not the same as FTSCs funded by the Central Government, which are specifically designated for rape and POCSO cases. Despite having 48,600 pending cases, the state has yet to operationalize the 11 additional FTSCs required under the Central scheme.

Annapurna Devi also addressed the guidelines for appointing Judicial Officers in FTSCs, which conflict with the Chief Minister’s proposal to replace temporary appointments with permanent ones. The Minister clarified that the Central scheme allows for the engagement of contractual Judicial Officers if there is an inadequate workforce.

Highlighting the central government’s commitment to combating crimes against women, the Minister underlined the stringent provisions under the BNS and BNSS meant to ensure speedy investigations and trials. She urged the West Bengal government to effectively implement these laws to enhance the criminal justice system and deliver timely justice for victims.

The Union Minister’s letter underscores the necessity for West Bengal to align with central guidelines and operationalize the required FTSCs, emphasizing that proper handling of these cases is crucial for upholding justice and protecting vulnerable populations.

Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/national/story/union-minister-annapurna-devi-rebukes-mamata-banerjee-over-delays-in-setting-up-fast-track-special-courts-1082894-2024-08-31?utm_source=rssfeed
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