On May 26, 2025, the Gauhati High Court directed the Assam Government to ensure that the withdrawal of Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) powers from Members of Foreigners’ Tribunals (FTs) does not impede the regular payment of their salaries. Justice Suman Shyam emphasized that administrative changes should not disrupt the financial entitlements of FT members, as such disruptions adversely affect the functioning of the tribunals .

The court was addressing a writ petition concerning the infrastructure of Foreigners’ Tribunals. An Amicus Curiae highlighted that revoking DDO powers had deprived FT members of the ability to draw their salaries and allowances, causing significant operational challenges. The Senior Additional Advocate General for Assam requested time to seek instructions on the matter. The court granted this request but clarified that the state must ensure that the withdrawal of DDO powers does not hinder the regular payment of salaries to FT members.

Additionally, the court reviewed a written instruction dated May 3, 2025, from the Deputy Secretary to the Government of Assam, addressing four issues previously identified by the court:

1. Low disposal rates in some FTs: The Inspector General of Police (Border), Assam, has been tasked with transferring pending cases within districts to improve disposal rates.
2. Library facilities in FTs: Out of 69 FTs, 59 members expressed willingness to establish library facilities within their offices, while 10 reported a lack of space.
3. Training for FT members: A one-day training program for FT members was conducted on April 26, 2025.
4. [The fourth issue was not specified in the available information.]

The court has scheduled the next hearing for June 24, 2025, to further assess the state’s compliance with these directives.

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