SC to hear plea on alternative options for voting by overseas electors

The Supreme Court (SC) is set to hear a plea this week on alternative options for voting by overseas electors who wish to cast their ballot. If passed, all non-resident Indians (NRIs) will be able to participate in the Indian electoral process.

Acting on a public interest litigation (PIL), which was filed in the SC by Pravasi Bharat chairman Nagender Chindam, Deputy Election Commissioner Vinod Zutshi has prepared a 50-page report, which the apex court will read in its hearing on November 14.

"We hope for a positive outcome on this case, which could change the dynamics of Indian politics and will be historic in our democracy. There are one crore Indian citizens staying abroad, and with 543 Lok Sabha constituencies, this means an astonishing average of 18,000 votes per constituency may get polled from abroad," Chindam said.

"These additional votes, if polled, will obviously play a crucial role in state and general elections. We are looking forward to hear direction and order from the honourable court," he added.

As per estimation by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, there are around one crore Indian citizens who currently live abroad. The Representation of the People (Amendment) Act of 2010 has made all NRIs eligible to vote in Indian elections. However, they have to be physically present in their respective constituencies on the day of the election to vote.