New Delhi – Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday announced a landmark decision to accelerate justice delivery in Delhi. Under the Rekha Gupta Speed Trials initiative, the government cleared a plan to establish 53 special courts dedicated to crimes against women and children. This move comes after consultations with the Delhi High Court and the recommendations of the women’s safety task force chaired by the lieutenant governor. With over 17,000 pending cases, the decision signals a strong commitment to speedy justice.
Converting ad-hoc courts into permanent ones
At present, Delhi has 16 ad-hoc fast-track courts. Under the Rekha Gupta Speed Trials plan, these courts will now be converted into permanent establishments. In addition, 37 new courts will be created, taking the total number of fast-track special courts to 53. The initiative ensures that judicial officers and staff will be appointed with full infrastructure support. Officials confirmed that the law department has forwarded the proposal for 53 judicial officers to the finance department for final approval.
Justice for women and children at the center
The Rekha Gupta Speed Trials program focuses specifically on cases related to sexual violence. These include cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and cases of rape under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code or Section 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. CM Gupta stated that time-bound hearings in such sensitive cases will not only provide relief to survivors but also reinforce the message of deterrence.
Long-term strengthening of justice delivery
According to CM Gupta, the Rekha Gupta Speed Trials initiative goes beyond increasing the number of courts. It is aimed at strengthening the justice delivery system in the long run. “We want to ensure victims are not forced to wait years for justice. This decision empowers women in Delhi to live with greater confidence and security,” she said. She added that the move also aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of women’s empowerment and building a safer India.
Task force push and urgency of action
The Rekha Gupta Speed Trials announcement follows deliberations at the women’s safety task force meeting led by lieutenant governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. During the meeting, the LG stressed the urgent need to address case pendency and pressed for additional courts. Responding to this urgency, the Delhi government acted quickly, ensuring that the recommendations were accepted and translated into action without delay.
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Officials said the Rekha Gupta Speed Trials plan was finalized after extensive consultation with the Delhi High Court. The High Court recommended creating 37 new fast-track courts and converting 16 existing ad-hoc courts into permanent ones. The government accepted these recommendations in full. This demonstrates close coordination between the judiciary and the executive in tackling crimes against women and children.
Addressing pendency of over 17,000 cases
More than 17,000 cases involving women and children are currently pending in Delhi’s courts. The Rekha Gupta Speed Trials program is designed to bring down this backlog swiftly. By providing adequate staffing and infrastructure, the government aims to prioritize these cases and deliver verdicts without prolonged delays. Officials noted that pending cases have left victims and families waiting for justice for years, an issue the new initiative directly seeks to resolve.
Ensuring adequate infrastructure and staffing
As part of the Rekha Gupta Speed Trials, the law department has been directed to work with the finance department to ensure immediate approval of judicial officers, support staff, and necessary infrastructure. This step guarantees that the courts are not just created in number but are fully functional with resources to conduct daily hearings efficiently.
Sending a message of deterrence
The broader purpose of the Rekha Gupta Speed Trials is to send a strong signal of deterrence to society. CM Gupta emphasized that strict and time-bound punishment in crimes against women and children will discourage offenders and create a safer environment in the city. She reiterated that her government’s mission is to ensure women feel secure, respected, and empowered to move forward with dignity.
Conclusion: A decisive step for justice and safety
The Rekha Gupta Speed Trials represent a decisive step in Delhi’s justice system. With 53 special courts to fast-track cases, the initiative addresses both immediate concerns of pendency and long-term goals of efficiency and safety. By focusing on crimes against women and children, the government has prioritized the most vulnerable, ensuring swift relief and justice. As Delhi strengthens its legal infrastructure under this plan, the Rekha Gupta Speed Trials stand as a powerful example of governance translating into real security for citizens.
