'123 Fast-Track Courts, Helpline Numbers Not Implemented': Centre Fact-Checks Mamata's Claims

New Delhi: In a pointed retort to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent remarks on rape incidents across India, the Centre has highlighted that Bengal has been allocated 123 fast-track courts specifically to address cases of rape and child abuse. However, many of them remain non-operational. Facing criticism following the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Mamata had written to Prime Minister Modi demanding stringent central legislation with exemplary punishment for perpetrators of rape.  In her letter, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo emphasised that, based on available data, there are 90 rape cases reported daily across the country, with many victims also being murdered. 

"It is horrifying to see this trend. It shakes the confidence and conscience of society and the nation. It is our bounden duty to put an end to it so that women feel safe and secure. Such a serious and sensitive issue needs to be addressed comprehensively through stringent central legislation that prescribes exemplary punishment for those involved in these dastardly crimes," she proposed the establishment of fast-track special courts to address such cases. "To ensure quick justice, trials should preferably be completed within 15 days," she had suggested.

Now, Annapurna Devi, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, has responded to Banerjee’s letter to the Prime Minister. In her letter, Devi began by offering her condolences to the parents of the doctor who was raped and murdered in Kolkata. She then stated that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which was implemented last month, "comprehensively addresses the issues of crimes against women by providing stringent punishments."  

Regarding fast-track courts, the minister noted that a centrally sponsored scheme to establish these courts was introduced in October 2019. 

"As of 30.06.2024, 752 FTSCs including 409 exclusive POCSO Courts are functional in 30 States/UTs which have disposed of more than 2,53,000 cases since the inception of the scheme. Under the scheme, the State of West Bengal was allocated a total of 123 FTSCs, which included 20 exclusive POCSO Courts and 103 combined FTSCs dealing with both rape and POCSO Act cases. However, none of these courts had been operationalized till mid-June, 2023," the minister added.

"The State of West Bengal communicated its willingness to participate in the Scheme vide letter dated 08.06.2023, committing to start 7 FTSCs. Under the revised target, West Bengal has been allocated 17 FTSCs, of which only 6 exclusive POCSO Courts have been operationalized as of 30.06 2024. In spite of a pendency of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases in West Bengal, the State Government has not taken any steps to start the remaining 11 FTSCS. Action in this regard is pending with the state government," she added.

The Women and Child Development Minister also highlighted that the Trinamool Congress government has not implemented the national helpline established by the Centre to handle distress calls from women and children. 

"Recognizing the need for Helplines as first responders in the golden hour to a woman or child in distress, Women Helpline (WHL) 181, Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) -112, Child Helpline 1098, Cyber Crime Helpline - 1930 have been put in place in the last few years. The WHL and Child Helplines have been integrated with ERSS also. But, unfortunately, the people of the State of West Bengal cannot utilize this facility as the State Government has not implemented the WHL despite many requests and reminders from Gol," she said.