Wednesday, April 27 2005 21:53 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today (Apr 27, 2005) approved continuation of the 1562 fast-track courts for the next five years.

The fast-track courts would continue to function under the present arrangement and would entail an outgo of Rs 509 crore over five years beginning April 1, 2005, Finance Minister P Chidambaram told reporters after the CCEA meeting.

CCEA also approved to provide Rs 8.6 lakh per court as additional amount for expanding the court rooms.

"The Supreme Court in its judgement had observed that fast-track courts should be continued as joint venture between Centre and States and Centre should provide funds," he said.

The Supreme Court is to hear a petition on continuation of fast-track courts on April 29.