58,000 rape cases pending trial across India

NEW DELHI: Over 58,000 cases of rape were pending in various trial courts across the country at the end of last year.

"58,310 cases relating to rape were pending trial in various courts of the country as on December 31, 2005," Minister of State for Law and Justice K Venkatapathy told the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

He said Fast Track Courts (FTCs) have been set up in different parts of the country for speedy disposal of cases, including those of rape.

 At present 1,562 FTCs were in operation, the Minister said adding the Government has extended the term of these FTCs upto March 2010.

The Centre has also requested the State Governments to initiate Plan of Action in consultation with the respective High Courts to designate at least one FTC in each district to exclusively deal with cases of offences against women, including sexual abuse and rape, Venkatapathy said.