STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) has decided to set up 3,700 customary village courts across Karbi Anglong in a phased manner. These customary village courts will settle petty cases. Recently, the KAAC also approved the budget allocation for setting up the customary village courts and within a few months, the process for setting up the courts will start.
The neighbouring district of Dima Hasao already has customary village courts which settle disputes with the help of customary laws. The concept of customary village courts was put forth by the first Chief Minister of Assam, Gopinath Bordoloi. He had said that tribal people should settle disputes among themselves with their customary laws.
KAAC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang said that under subparagraph of paragraph 4 of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India and subject to the approval of the Governor of Assam, the KAAC would set up customary village courts to settle petty cases in every constituency under KAAC. The final decision in this regard was taken after a discussion held in August this year with Karbi traditional chiefs (Lindokpos), subordinates (Habes), traditional village heads, Karbi customary law experts and other stakeholders. They all unanimously agreed that customary village courts should be constituted in Karbi Anglong.
According to sources, under the Assam Autonomous District Administration of Justice (MP) Act, 1957, even the police cannot interfere in cases related to customary laws. The Act has given the power to the traditional village heads in the exercise of customary laws. Sources further said that the decision to set up customary village courts in Karbi Anglong was taken as most of the tribal villages are situated in remote areas and the tribal villagers are not well aware and well acquainted with the laws of the country. Even now, the village heads and chiefs resolve small disputes that take place among the villagers. With the setting up of the customary village courts, the practice of village heads settling petty disputes will get legal sanction.
KAAC sources said that the Council has already approved the budget allocation for setting up the customary village courts. In the initial phase, a few villages will be selected where the courts will be set up. Discussions will be held with stakeholders to decide how these courts will function. Gradually, more such courts will be set up across the district with the sole objective of resolving local issues amicably.
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