Critically analyze the practice of setting up fast-track courts to reduce pendency of cases in the judiciary.

Fast track courts were set up by the government of India to expedite the justice delivery and a reduced pendency of cases. They were set up under fast track courts act 1989.

Fast track courts help in reducing pendency:

• Reduce the burden from the existing subordinate courts.
• Matters which need urgent importance can be looked at in fast track courts.
• Time bound disposal of cases, making them more effective in adjudicating cases.
• Around 600 fast track courts have been set up all across the country.

Not effective in reducing pendency:

• Only 600 fast track courts are set up as against 1600 sanctioned.
• Huge number of cases being diverted/filed in fast track court.
• Limited presence of fast track courts in some states.
• Slow judicial appointments and lack of necessary infrastructure limiting the efficacy of fast track courts.

Fast track courts needs to be strengthened via use of ICT technologies, more appointment of judges, proper paralegal staff and filing systems.