JUDGMENT :

Heard Mr. A. M. Ahmed, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner. Also heard Mr. U.K. Goswami, learned Central Government Counsel for respondent No. 1; Mr. J. Payeng, earned Standing Counsel Foreigners’ Tribunal, Assam for respondent No. 2, 4 and 5 and Ms. U. Das, learned Government Advocate, Assam for respondent No. 3.

2. This is an application under Article 226 of the Constitution of India whereby the opinion dated 31.10.2016, passed by the learned Member, Foreigners’ Tribunal, Nagaon Court No. 10th at Sankardev Nagar, Hojai, passed in F.T. Case No. 111/2015 is under challenge.

3. On the basis of a reference made by the competent authority, notice was issued to the petitioner to prove his Indian citizenship. The notice was served upon the petitioner and he appeared before the Tribunal and filed his written statement along with all original documents which were exhibited as Ext. 1 to 6 and also adduced his evidence as DW-1. The petitioner claimed that he is a Indian Citizen by birth and permanent resident of village – Sorupathar, under Jamunamukh Police Station in the District of Hojai, (earlier Nagaon) Assam. He claimed himself to be the son of Late Sonahar Ali and Lat