Thread by @barandbench

#SupremeCout hears a plea to allow NRIs to vote via postal ballots

CJI UU Lalit: there was a similar plea for postal ballots of army since they were posted at different places #postalballot

CJI: Suppose you are in UP but your name is registered in Kerala voter list. Won't you have to go there and vote ?

Petitioner lawyer: Operational creditor based outside were allowed to pursue insolvency Proceedings electronically.

CJI: I do not think we have to carry this plea ahead

AG: Centre had considered this and election commission was apprised of this

CJI: Have you considered digital voting

AG: Govt considered it in June 2020 and deferred the process. I don't wish to draw a curtain on this

CJI: We just keep these petitions pending in the hope that a sun will one day rise in the horizon.

Petitioner Adv : Please adjourn for four weeks

Order:

CJI: notice was issued in Feb 2013. A committee was constituted by ECI to look into this with regard to ways and means to facilitate voting for NRI and migrant workers. Centre accepted recommendations by ECI

CJI: Then an RP Bill was introduced. Intended amendment was to enable overseas electors to appoint as a proxy. It was passed in lok sabha but not in Rajya sabha. The bill then lapsed. There has been no development on that front.

CJI: AG says matter is still engaging attention of concerned functionaries and that a solution will be found which will enable ones living overseas to vote

CJI: The purpose with which the writ petition was filed is served and thus disposed off. AG has assured that every step shall be undertaken so that NRIs and migrant labour is part of electoral process and all facility is extended to maintain the confidentiality