Types of Special Courts
Overview
Special Courts in India are established under specific laws to handle particular types of cases, ensuring specialized and expedited judicial processes. Below are the main types of Special Courts ↴
CBI Courts
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Courts handle cases investigated by the CBI, primarily related to corruption, economic offenses, and high-profile criminal cases.
- Purpose: Prosecute cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and other serious offenses.
- Examples: Cases involving public servants, bank frauds, and major scams.
- Legal Basis: Established under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
Family Courts
Family Courts deal with disputes related to marriage, divorce, child custody, and other familial matters.
- Purpose: Resolve matrimonial and family disputes amicably and expeditiously.
- Examples: Divorce proceedings, alimony, child custody, and maintenance cases.
- Legal Basis: Family Courts Act, 1984.
POCSO Courts
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Courts address cases involving sexual offenses against children.
- Purpose: Ensure child-friendly procedures and swift justice for victims of sexual abuse.
- Examples: Cases of child sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.
- Legal Basis: POCSO Act, 2012.
NDPS Courts
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Courts handle cases related to drug trafficking and substance abuse.
- Purpose: Adjudicate offenses involving illegal drugs and narcotics.
- Examples: Drug trafficking, possession, and manufacturing of prohibited substances.
- Legal Basis: NDPS Act, 1985.
Fast Track Courts
Fast Track Courts are set up to expedite trials, particularly for cases involving women, children, and heinous crimes.
- Purpose: Reduce judicial backlog and provide speedy justice in sensitive cases.
- Examples: Rape cases, crimes against women, and other urgent matters.
- Legal Basis: Funded by central/state governments, often under High Court directives.
Special Court Judge
Overview
Presides over Special Courts for cases under acts like POCSO, Prevention of Corruption, or NIA, ensuring speedy trials. Nominated from Higher Judicial Service.
Key Responsibilities
- Adjudicate specialized cases.
- Conduct trials per CrPC/act-specific rules.
- Issue orders/judgments.
- Oversee evidence.
- Report to High Court.
Educational Pathway
- LLB (5-year integrated or 3-year post-bachelor’s).
- Optional: LLM.
- 7-10 years judicial experience (Sessions/Additional Sessions Judge).
Admission Process
- Complete 12th (any stream, 50% marks).
- Pursue 5-year LLB or 3-year LLB after bachelor’s.
- Clear law entrance exams.
- Pass judicial service exams, gain 7-10 years experience, get nominated.
Entrance Exam
- LLB: CLAT, AILET, LSAT India, state-level (MH-CET Law, AP LAWCET).
- Judicial: State Judicial Service exams (PCS-J, Delhi Judicial Service).
Top Institutions
Government:
- National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru
- National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad
- National Law University (NLU), Delhi
- The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
- National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur
Private:
- Symbiosis Law School, Pune
- Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
- Amity Law School, Noida
- Christ University School of Law, Bengaluru
- ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad
Course Duration
- 5-year LLB or 6 years (3-year bachelor’s + 3-year LLB).
- LLM: 1-2 years (optional).
- Experience: 7-10 years.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹1-3 lakh (LLB).
- Private: ₹5-15 lakh (LLB).
Special Public Prosecutor
Overview
Prosecutes cases in Special Courts under acts like POCSO, Corruption, or NIA. Appointed by State Government.
Key Responsibilities
- Present state’s case.
- Prepare legal documents/evidence.
- Coordinate with agencies (NIA, CBI).
- Cross-examine witnesses.
- Ensure fair trials.
Educational Pathway
- LLB (5-year integrated or 3-year post-bachelor’s).
- Optional: LLM (criminal/constitutional law).
- 7-10 years advocacy experience.
Admission Process
- Complete 12th (any stream, 50% marks).
- Pursue 5-year LLB or 3-year LLB after bachelor’s.
- Clear law entrance exams.
- Enroll with Bar Council, practice 7-10 years, apply via state notifications.
Entrance Exam
- LLB: CLAT, AILET, LSAT India, state-level.
- Bar: AIBE.
- Appointment: Selection based on experience.
Top Institutions
Government:
- National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru
- National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad
- National Law University (NLU), Delhi
- The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
- National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur
Private:
- Symbiosis Law School, Pune
- Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
- Amity Law School, Noida
- Christ University School of Law, Bengaluru
- ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad
Course Duration
- 5-year LLB or 6 years (3-year bachelor’s + 3-year LLB).
- LLM: 1-2 years (optional).
- Practice: 7-10 years.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹1-3 lakh (LLB).
- Private: ₹5-15 lakh (LLB).
Authorized Officer
Overview
Handles property confiscation applications under laws like MP Vishesh Nyayalaya Adhiniyam, 2011. Nominated from Higher Judicial Service.
Key Responsibilities
- Review confiscation applications.
- Serve notices to accused.
- Evaluate evidence for confiscation.
- Maintain records.
- Coordinate with Special Courts.
Educational Pathway
- LLB (5-year integrated or 3-year post-bachelor’s).
- Optional: LLM.
- 7-10 years judicial experience (Sessions/Additional Sessions Judge).
Admission Process
- Complete 12th (any stream, 50% marks).
- Pursue 5-year LLB or 3-year LLB after bachelor’s.
- Clear law entrance exams.
- Pass judicial service exams, gain 7-10 years experience, get nominated.
Entrance Exam
- LLB: CLAT, AILET, LSAT India, state-level.
- Judicial: State Judicial Service exams.
Top Institutions
Government:
- National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru
- National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad
- National Law University (NLU), Delhi
- The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
- National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur
Private:
- Symbiosis Law School, Pune
- Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
- Amity Law School, Noida
- Christ University School of Law, Bengaluru
- ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad
Course Duration
- 5-year LLB or 6 years (3-year bachelor’s + 3-year LLB).
- LLM: 1-2 years (optional).
- Experience: 7-10 years.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹1-3 lakh (LLB).
- Private: ₹5-15 lakh (LLB).
Court Managers
Overview
Streamlines administrative operations in Special Courts, appointed via state recruitment.
Key Responsibilities
- Schedule cases.
- Implement e-court systems.
- Coordinate staff.
- Prepare performance reports.
- Assist judges.
Educational Pathway
- BBA/LLB/administration degree + 2-5 years experience.
- Optional: MBA/LLM.
Admission Process
- Complete 12th (any stream, 50% marks).
- Pursue 5-year LLB or 3-year BBA/administration degree.
- Clear entrance exams.
- Apply via court recruitment exams.
Entrance Exam
- LLB: CLAT, AILET, LSAT India, state-level.
- Management: CAT, XAT, state-level.
- Court Manager: State/court-specific exams.
Top Institutions
Government:
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad
- National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru
- Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi
- National Law University (NLU), Delhi
- Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
Private:
- Symbiosis Law School, Pune
- Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
- Amity Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Noida
- Christ University School of Law, Bengaluru
- Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar
Course Duration
- 5-year LLB or 6 years (3-year bachelor’s + 3-year LLB).
- BBA: 3 years.
- MBA/LLM: 1-2 years (optional).
- Experience: 2-5 years.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹1-3 lakh (LLB), ₹50,000-₹2 lakh (BBA).
- Private: ₹5-15 lakh (LLB), ₹3-10 lakh (BBA/MBA).
Court Clerks
Overview
Handles clerical tasks like record-keeping and filing in Special Courts.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain case records.
- Perform data entry.
- Handle filing.
- Manage correspondence.
- Support operations.
Educational Pathway
- 12th or BA/B.Com + optional diploma in office management.
- No prior experience required.
Admission Process
- Complete 12th (any stream, 50% marks).
- Pursue bachelor’s (optional).
- Apply via SSC/court exams.
Entrance Exam
- SSC CGL/CHSL, court-specific exams (typing tests).
Top Institutions
Government:
- University of Delhi, Delhi
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
- Government Polytechnic Colleges
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
- University of Mumbai, Mumbai
Private:
- St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
- Christ University, Bengaluru
- Amity University, Noida
- Lovely Professional University, Punjab
- Manipal University, Jaipur
Course Duration
- Bachelor’s: 3 years.
- Diploma: 1 year (optional).
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹10,000-₹50,000 (bachelor’s), ₹5,000-₹20,000 (diploma).
- Private: ₹50,000-₹3 lakh (bachelor’s), ₹20,000-₹50,000 (diploma).
Stenographers
Overview
Records and transcribes court proceedings in Special Courts.
Key Responsibilities
- Transcribe proceedings.
- Record hearings.
- Assist with documentation.
- Maintain records.
- Support clerks.
Educational Pathway
- 12th or BA/B.Com + diploma in stenography.
- No prior experience required.
Admission Process
- Complete 12th (any stream, 50% marks).
- Pursue bachelor’s (optional).
- Enroll in stenography course.
- Apply via SSC/court exams.
Entrance Exam
- SSC Stenographer C&D, court-specific exams (shorthand/typing tests).
Top Institutions
Government:
- University of Delhi, Delhi
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
- Government Polytechnic Colleges
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
- University of Mumbai, Mumbai
Private:
- St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
- Christ University, Bengaluru
- Amity University, Noida
- Lovely Professional University, Punjab
- Manipal University, Jaipur
Course Duration
- Bachelor’s: 3 years.
- Stenography diploma: 6 months-1 year.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹10,000-₹50,000 (bachelor’s), ₹5,000-₹20,000 (diploma).
- Private: ₹50,000-₹3 lakh (bachelor’s), ₹20,000-₹50,000 (diploma).
Bailiffs
Overview
Executes court orders (e.g., summons, warrants) in Special Courts.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve summons/notices.
- Execute court orders.
- Maintain courtroom order.
- Assist judges.
- Report execution status.
Educational Pathway
- 10th/12th + optional diploma in court administration.
- No prior experience required.
Admission Process
- Complete 10th/12th.
- Pursue diploma (optional).
- Apply via SSC/court exams.
Entrance Exam
- SSC MTS, court-specific exams.
Top Institutions
Government:
- Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
- National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
- Government colleges offering BA/B.Com
- State government polytechnics
Private:
- Amity University, Noida
- Lovely Professional University, Punjab
- Manipal University, Jaipur
- Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning
- Christ University, Bengaluru
Course Duration
- Diploma: 6 months-1 year.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹5,000-₹20,000 (diploma).
- Private: ₹20,000-₹50,000 (diploma).
Process Servers
Overview
Delivers legal documents (e.g., summons, notices) in Special Courts.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver legal documents.
- Ensure timely service.
- Report delivery status.
- Assist bailiffs.
- Comply with procedures.
Educational Pathway
- 10th/12th + optional diploma in court administration.
- No prior experience required.
Admission Process
- Complete 10th/12th.
- Pursue diploma (optional).
- Apply via SSC/court exams.
Entrance Exam
- SSC MTS, court-specific exams.
Top Institutions
Government:
- Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
- National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
- Government colleges offering BA/B.Com
- State government polytechnics
Private:
- Amity University, Noida
- Lovely Professional University, Punjab
- Manipal University, Jaipur
- Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning
- Christ University, Bengaluru
Course Duration
- Diploma: 6 months-1 year.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹5,000-₹20,000 (diploma).
- Private: ₹20,000-₹50,000 (diploma).
Peons and Support Staff
Overview
Performs basic operational tasks (e.g., cleaning, logistics) in Special Courts.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain court premises.
- Assist with logistics.
- Support staff.
- Manage supplies.
- Ensure courtroom readiness.
Educational Pathway
- 8th/10th + optional vocational training.
- No prior experience required.
Admission Process
- Complete 8th/10th.
- Pursue vocational training (optional).
- Apply via SSC/court exams.
Entrance Exam
- SSC MTS, court-specific exams.
Top Institutions
Government:
- Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
- National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
- State government polytechnics
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
- Government schools
Private:
- Amity University, Noida
- Lovely Professional University, Punjab
- Manipal University, Jaipur
- Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning
- Christ University, Bengaluru
Course Duration
- Vocational training: 3-6 months (optional).
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹2,000-₹10,000 (training).
- Private: ₹10,000-₹30,000 (training).