Close X
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
ADVT 
India

Enable voting by NRIs in eight weeks, SC tells government

Darpan News Desk IANS, 12 Jan, 2015 10:00 AM
    The Supreme Court Monday asked the government to take steps, within eight weeks, for implementation of e-voting by NRIs after being told the government has accepted the poll panel's recommendation to this effect.
     
    The government has accepted both in "letter and spirit the recommendation of the Election Commission. Further steps are to be taken to implement the suggestions in eight weeks", said a bench of Chief Justice H.L.Dattu and Justice A.K.Sikri in their order.
     
    The order came as government Monday informed the court that it has accepted the EC report on voting by the NRIs.
     
    Appearing for the petitioners Nagender Chindam, Naresh Kumar Hanchate and Shamsheer V.P, senior counsel Dushyant Dave told the court that the recommendation of the panel set up by the Election Commission could be carried out both by the executive order or by taking a legislative route.
     
    At this court said: "They (government) will take the follow-up action. If it is amending the law then they will amend and if it is through an executive order then they will pass it." It also told the government to do it "at the earliest".
     
    Senior counsel Meenakshi Arora, who appeared for the poll panel, told the court that for facilitating NRI voting as suggested by the expert panel would require amending the law as it at present the votes could only be exercised at the polling booth concerned.
     
    In a related plea, the court also sought the response of the Election Commission on the facilities that could be extended to migrant workers within the country to cast their votes for the constituency where they are registered as voters from their native place. 
     
    As Arora said that they could get registered afresh as voters in the city where they are working, the counsel for petitioners said there were enormous difficulties including that of identity in getting registered as voters in a new place.
     
    The apex court Nov 14 had asked the government to consider the report of the Committee for Exploring Feasibility of Alternative Options for Voting by Overseas Electors, set up by the poll panel, recommending electronic or proxy voting by NRIs staying overseas.
     
    The panel had however, rejected the feasibility of NRIs voting at the diplomatic missions. It had also not favoured internet voting till appropriate technology

    MORE India ARTICLES

    BJP Ropes In Actress Roopa Ganguly

    BJP Ropes In Actress Roopa Ganguly
    Actress Roopa Ganguly Wednesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying she wanted to do something about India's problems rather than sit and criticise.

    BJP Ropes In Actress Roopa Ganguly

    Babbar Khalsa's Jagtar Singh Tara Arrested in Thailand, To Be Extradited To India

    Babbar Khalsa's Jagtar Singh Tara Arrested in Thailand, To Be Extradited To India
    A Bangkok court Tuesday ordered Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Jagtar Singh Tara will be extradited from Thailand to India, according to information received by the Punjab Police.

    Babbar Khalsa's Jagtar Singh Tara Arrested in Thailand, To Be Extradited To India

    Washed Utensils In Hotel 15 Years Back, Reveals Smriti Irani

    Washed Utensils In Hotel 15 Years Back, Reveals Smriti Irani
    Stressing the dignity of labour, Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani Tuesday told a conference of state education ministers here that she had washed utensils 15 years back at a hotel in Mumbai.

    Washed Utensils In Hotel 15 Years Back, Reveals Smriti Irani

    Haryana To Celebrate 'Beti Ki Lohri' For Girl Child

    Haryana To Celebrate 'Beti Ki Lohri' For Girl Child
    To celebrate the birth of daughters, the Haryana government has decided to celebrate 'Beti ki Lohri' on Jan 14, a state government spokesman said here Tuesday.

    Haryana To Celebrate 'Beti Ki Lohri' For Girl Child

    The Beast To Travel Delhi Roads On Obama Visit

    The Beast To Travel Delhi Roads On Obama Visit
    All the top luxury hotels in Delhi have been scanned, the security is being worked out to the last minute detail, and, yes, The Beast will very much be part of the official entourage of US President Barack Obama, chief guest at this year's Republic Day parade.

    The Beast To Travel Delhi Roads On Obama Visit

    Bird Flu Scare Shuts Down Chandigarh's Tourist Attraction

    Bird Flu Scare Shuts Down Chandigarh's Tourist Attraction
    Over the past fortnight, the thousands who used to throng the pretty Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh's famous tourist attraction, particularly over the weekends, are missing. This Sunday was no different.

    Bird Flu Scare Shuts Down Chandigarh's Tourist Attraction