NEW DELHI, June 2 - In keeping with the direction of the Supreme Court, the Centre has firmed up plans to set up 1,000 foreigners tribunals (FTs) in Assam to tackle the cases after publication of the final National Register of Citizens (NRC) on July 31.
According to sources, Secretary (Border Management) in the Home Ministry, BR Sharma last week held a meeting to discuss the proposal of the Government of Assam for creation of e-foreigners tribunals (eFTs) and creation of 1,000 additional FTs.
The Central government is also in the process of giving its approval to the State government�s proposal to set up eFTs for those who were declared illegal immigrants. The tribunals will be required after the publication of the final NRC, a list of Assam�s residents, on July 31.
The Supreme Court had said in its latest order that in the meeting held on May 24, the following steps have been envisaged for filling up the posts of members to man the 200 FTs in phase-I.
The Sarbananda Sonowal government had told the apex court that the Government of Assam will �write to the Gauhati High Court by May 30 with a request to initiate the recruitment process. On receipt of the letter, the registry shall issue advertisement by June 10-12 for selection of members for the 200 FTs in phase-I.�
The interview process is to commence from July 15 with the results likely to be declared by August 20. Once the entire recruitment process for selection of members is completed, the newly recruited members are to join duty by September 1.
Further, it has been proposed that a two-day orientation programme for the newly appointed members be conducted before the members report for duty.
Pursuant thereto, a letter dated May 29 was addressed by the Secretary to the Government of Assam, Home and Political Department to the Registrar (Judicial), Gauhati High Court, indicating the qualifications and conditions of service of the members for the additional FTs.
Advocates not below the age of 35 years of age with at least seven years of practice or retired judicial officers from the Assam Judicial Service; or retired IAS or ACS officers (not below the rank of Secretary and Additional Secretary) having experience in quasi-judicial works would be eligible for appointment as members of the FTs. The retirement age of the members so appointed will be 67 years.
