UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Fast-track special courts scheme extended till 2031

Q1. Suppose a State joins the FTSC scheme and sets up new fast-track courts, with the Union bearing most of the cost. In this context, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. These fast-track courts come under the High Court's power of superintendence over all courts within its territorial jurisdiction.
  2. Because the courts are created under a Central scheme, appeals from their judgments lie directly to the Supreme Court, bypassing the High Court.
  3. The Union's co-funding gives the Union Government a power of superintendence over these courts, exercised concurrently with the High Court.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 1 only
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q2. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Although the Union bears the larger share of the FTSC scheme's cost, the posting and promotion of judicial officers below the rank of district judge who serve in such courts are controlled by the High Court.
  2. The FTSC scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in which participating States and Union Territories also contribute a share of the cost.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q3. Consider the following statements in the context of fast-track special courts: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Because the FTSC scheme is centrally sponsored, the judges who preside over fast-track special courts are appointed by the President of India.
  2. Under the Constitution, appointment of persons as district judges in a State is made by the Governor of the State in consultation with the High Court.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q4. Consider the following facts about the extended FTSC scheme: (i) the Central share is met from the Nirbhaya Fund; (ii) participating States and UTs bear the remaining cost; (iii) the courts function only in participating States and UTs; (iv) the scheme is administered by the Department of Justice. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above?

  1. A State that stays out of the scheme receives no Nirbhaya Fund money for fast-track courts under this scheme.
  2. In participating States, the Nirbhaya Fund finances the entire cost of the fast-track courts.
  3. Projects financed from the Nirbhaya Fund need not be implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 1 only
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q5. With reference to Special Courts under the POCSO Act, 2012 and fast-track special courts (FTSCs) funded under the Central scheme, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Special Courts for POCSO trials are required by the POCSO Act itself, whereas FTSCs are additional courts created through a funding scheme.
  2. Every FTSC under the scheme is restricted to trying offences under the POCSO Act.
  3. An FTSC may try rape cases involving adult victims.
  4. Some FTSCs are earmarked to try only POCSO cases.
  • A. 1, 2, 3 and 4
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 3 and 4 only

Q6. Which of the following features most clearly distinguishes a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, such as the FTSC scheme, from a Central Sector Scheme?

  • A. It requires approval of the Union Cabinet before it can be continued
  • B. Its cost is shared between the Union and the States, which implement it
  • C. Its funds are released only after Parliament passes a special law
  • D. It can be taken up only on subjects listed in the Union List

Q7. With reference to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It provided a punishment that may extend to death for the rape of a girl below twelve years of age.
  2. It raised the minimum sentence for the rape of a girl below twelve years of age above the general minimum prescribed for rape.
  3. It made the death penalty available for the rape of any person below eighteen years of age.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1 only