Odisha Mulls Setting Up Fast Track, Cyber Courts to Strengthen Justice Delivery

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is planning to establish dedicated fast track courts and special cyber courts in the state to ensure quicker disposal of cases related to crimes against women and cyber offences, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said on Monday.

Addressing a workshop organised jointly by the state government and United Nations Population Fund in Bhubaneswar, the Minister said the government is considering the creation of at least seven fast track courts to handle cases involving atrocities and violence against women.

He also informed that a proposal is under consideration to establish five special cyber courts to deal with the growing number of cybercrime cases and ensure speedy justice delivery in technology-related offences.

Harichandan said the state government is also focusing on improving legal awareness among people, particularly those living in rural and remote areas. Efforts are being made to spread awareness through local languages so that citizens from weaker sections can easily understand legal provisions and access government services.

The Minister noted that Odisha is framing long-term governance policies by taking into account changing demographic and socio-economic realities. He said the government is preparing for future challenges by planning policies that will remain relevant over the next several decades.

Pointing out that the country currently has a large youth population, Harichandan said the government is also mindful of the increasing elderly population expected in the future and is incorporating such factors into policy planning to ensure smooth governance and effective public service delivery.