Guwahati, 13th December: Following a crucial directive from the Gauhati High Court, the Assam government is gearing up to launch an intensive training program for members of its Foreigners’ Tribunals. These tribunals, entrusted with evaluating the citizenship status of individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants in the state, are set to undergo a revamp.
The Gauhati High Court intervened judicially on December 3rd, 2023, in response to revelations that a significant number of individuals previously labeled as foreigners were later confirmed as Indian citizens. The court expressed concerns about the accuracy of the tribunal’s decisions and the processes leading to them, noting that around 85% of cases reviewed resulted in the individuals being recognized as citizens.
A specific case highlighting the issue involved Forhad Ali from Bongaigaon, Assam, declared a foreigner due to discrepancies in his father’s name across documents. The High Court emphasized that minor name inconsistencies shouldn’t be the sole basis for determining nationality, mandating a comprehensive re-examination of Ali’s records.
Responding to these concerns, the High Court directed the Assam Home Department to conduct a thorough review of all Foreigners’ Tribunals’ orders. In light of this, the state home and political department are contemplating a crash course for tribunal members at the National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam (NLUJAA) in Guwahati, with a meeting scheduled later this week.
Approximately 97,000 pending FT cases necessitate scrutiny, particularly those lacking sufficient justification or evidence analysis. The outcomes of this review are expected to be made public, ensuring transparency and informing Assam residents about the issue of illegal immigration, which holds significant implications for the state.
The planned crash course for tribunal members signifies the government’s commitment to addressing the shortcomings identified by the High Court. By enhancing the training and expertise of tribunal personnel, the Assam government aims to improve the adjudication process, ensuring that determinations of citizenship are accurate and fair, thereby upholding individuals’ rights and maintaining the integrity of the legal system.