17.5 lakh cases pending in fast-track courts; conviction rates vary sharply across states
Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal informed the Rajya Sabha on [date] that there are 884 fast-track courts operational across 21 States and Union Territories, with a combined pendency of 17,54,675 cases. The data, provided in a written reply to a question by Congress leader Mukul Wasnik, also revealed significant disparities in conviction rates among these courts over the past three years.
The figures come at a time when the government has proposed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which was passed by Parliament during the current session. The Bill projects fast-track courts as a mechanism to swiftly handle cases related to paper leaks and other examination irregularities. However, Mr. Wasnik, who also heads the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, said the existing pendency and conviction rates should serve as an “eye-opener” for the government.
According to the data, Andhra Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir recorded the lowest conviction rates among fast-track special courts for three consecutive years, from 2023 to 2025. Andhra Pradesh’s conviction rate stood at 3.97% in 2023, 5.19% in 2024, and 5.55% in 2025. Jammu and Kashmir recorded rates of 6%, 4.50%, and 4.44% during the same period. West Bengal also posted low conviction rates in 2023 and 2024, at 1% and 2%, before rising to 11% in 2025.
Citing these figures, Mr. Wasnik said the low conviction rates illustrated a failure of prosecution. “It also shows that the concerned governments have not paid heed to the problem or taken steps to ensure that the prosecution does its job effectively,” he said. He emphasised that lessons from the existing pendency and conviction rates in fast-track courts should be considered before presenting such courts as a solution to examination-related irregularities.
In contrast, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Mizoram posted the strongest conviction rates during the same period. Meghalaya recorded conviction rates of 58.49% in 2023, 45% in 2024, and 52.78% in 2025. Nagaland’s rate rose from 24% in 2023 to 80% in 2025. Mizoram’s conviction rate increased from 14.14% to 58.50% over the same period. Tamil Nadu maintained a steady conviction rate of over 25% each year.
Fast-track courts were established to ensure speedy trial of heinous offences, cases involving vulnerable witnesses, and other matters requiring urgent disposal. The wide variation in conviction rates across states raises questions about the effectiveness of prosecution machinery and the overall functioning of these courts. Legal experts suggest that while fast-track courts can expedite trials, their success depends on robust investigation and prosecution, which require adequate resources and training.
The government has not yet responded to the specific concerns raised by Mr. Wasnik regarding the proposed use of fast-track courts for examination-related cases. The Bill aims to deter unfair practices in public examinations through strict punishment and speedy trial, but the current data suggests that merely designating courts as “fast-track” may not be sufficient to achieve convictions without addressing systemic issues.
As Parliament deliberates on the efficacy of the judicial system, the figures serve as a reminder that the promise of speedy justice must be backed by strong evidence and effective prosecution. For now, the pendency of over 17.5 lakh cases in these courts highlights the magnitude of the challenge ahead.
