Centre asked to fill vacancies in NCST within three months

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Centre to fill up the vacancies in the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) within three months.

An apex court bench headed by Chief Justice J.S. Khehar passed the order.while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by social activist Radhakanta Tripathy

Additional Solicitor General P.S. Patwalia appearing for the Center submitted that Anusuiya Uikey has been appointed as the vice-chairperson and Hari Krishna Damodar and Harshadbhai Chunilal have been appointed as members, adding the posts of the chairperson and one member have, therefore, been lying vacant as on date.

Tripathy, who appeared in person to argue the case, stated that none of the appointees have taken charge as on date even after fifteen days of their appointment.

The apex court bench also comprising Justice D. Y. Chandrachud inquired from the Additional Solicitor General as to how much time they require to fill up the vacancies.

Patwalia after consulting the official from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs ensured that the posts shall be filled up within ten weeks.

At this juncture, the petitioner reminded the bench that in similar case for filling up the vacancies in the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, the Attorney General assured the Commission to be filled up within eight weeks, however, the apex body for the Safai Karamcharis still remains defunct as no appointment has been made till date.

After hearing both sides, the court granted three months time to fill up entire NCST.