Maharashtra: Govt gives go ahead to continuation of 100 fast track courts for next 5 years

To help curb pendency of cases in Maharashtra courts the government has given a go ahead to continuation of 100 fast track courts for next five years in the state. These courts will primarily be dealing with cases of heinous crimes like murder, rape and kidnapping that have been pending for a long time.

Highly placed sources confirmed that the decision was taken by the department of law and judiciary on Thursday in the backdrop of recommendations of 14th Finance commission that has advised the state to have at least 219 new fast track courts.

"This is just a start. There are a lot of recommendations of the finance commission for judiciary like holding more lok adalats, re-designing existing court complexes to make them more litigant friendly, scanning and digitalisation of all court records, training and capacity building of judges, public prosecutors, mediators and lawyers, among others," said a senior officer.

However, the detailed plan of executing the finance commission findings is under preparation by the Bombay High Court and is expected to be completed soon. As per the December 2015 data, Maharashtra has a total sanctioned strength of 1,988 judges of which 1,738 posts are filled. For the remaining posts, the government is in process of issuing approvals for appointment.

As per the finance commission recommendation, the temporary courts will be provided particularly in the districts where disposal per judge is less than 500 cases. "These courts would be run by retired judges/contractual staff in rented premises for court building and a small flexi grant of Rs 5 lakh per court per annum for operational costs will be granted until the pendency is brought under control," reads the finance commission report.

The one-year-old BJP government has been boasting about taking significant steps to improve the conviction rate of the state. On completion of one year in the government, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed that the rate of conviction in crimes in the state was improved to 42% from previous 8% after his government came to power last year.

"On the account of various measures taken by the government, the rate of conviction of crimes which was just eight per cent before this government took over has now gone up to 42%. We should also make further efforts to improve the conviction rate further. At this conviction rate (42%), Maharashtra stands fifth in the country," Fadnavis said at an event earlier.

Judicial facts

Total number of sanctioned courts in Maharashtra: 1,988
Total number of working courts at present: 1,738
Number of courts awaiting judged: 250
Number of proposed fast track courts: 219
Number of temporary courts recommended by 14th finance commission: 18
(December 2015 data)