Assam: State government moves Centre for term extension of 64 FTs

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: The Assam government has moved the Centre for a term extension of 64 additional foreigner tribunals (FTs). The terms of the FTs are slated to expire by the end of this month.

There are 100 FTs in the state, of which 36 are permanent and the remaining 64 are additional FTs. In 2015, following a direction by the Gauhati High Court, the additional 64 FTs were set up for speedy disposal of cases related to ascertaining the nationality of doubtful foreigners. Initially, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had deliberated a term of 2 years for the 64 additional FTs. Subsequently, the term of the additional FTs was extended in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2024. In the last extension in 2024, a term of one year was allowed for the FTs. Thereby, the term of the additional FTs is due to end this month.

The state Home & Political department has now written to the MHA, seeking a further extension of the term of the 64 FTs. The justification provided is that around 90,000 cases are still pending in all 100 FTs. As there are more additional FTs, the caseload in these FTs is also higher than the permanent FTs.

When the Border Police refers a case to an FT regarding the nationality of a doubtful citizen, the FT concerned then conducts hearings, etc., to determine the actual nationality of the person in the dock.

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