New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) 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/IT applications as well as other vulnerabilities are addressed.
'Ghar wapasi' to farmers, BJP re-orients for UP's Mission 2017 (News Analysis)
Lucknow, March 12 (IANS) From 'sabka saath, sabka vikas' to 'ghar wapasi' to 'kisan ke liye bha
Corona Epidemic: Poor jobs go away, rich people raise money
If you are working from home during the corona epidemic, then there is a high probability that yo
Goa Bishop seeks safety for minorities
Panaji, Feb 5 (IANS) Goa's Archbishop Fr. Filipe Neri Ferrao Thursday asked the central governme
RJD chief Lalu Prasad's program to visit Patna has been postponed. Now he will not be able to cam
The news of relief has come out for the candidates waiting for an appointment to the posts of tea
Like every year, Winter Carnival will be celebrated in Himachal's tourist city Manali. Carnival w
Obama begins India visit with 21-gun salute, red carpet welcome (Second Lead)
New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS) US President Barack Obama's India visit began Sunday with a ceremonial
Will return to form soon: Finch
Sydney, March 24 (IANS) Australian opener Aaron Finch, in the midst of a lean patch with the ba
31 crore people to get corona vaccine in first phase in India, blueprint ready
Before the arrival of the Corona vaccine, the Priority Group has been finalized in India. In the
New Delhi. True, the situation in the country is difficult, but it is expected to improve soon. T
