New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has said that it is not possible to allow NRIs to cast postal votes for the coming Lok Sabha polls. If the NRIs are to be given an opportunity to cast votes externally in their place of residence, then the Representation of People’s Act need to be amended. The EC said this could not be done now and the EC would intimate this to the Supreme Court on Monday.
The SC had sought an explanation from the Election commission on Friday based on a plea filed by NRI Dr Shamseer. The EC said unless Section 20A of Representation of People’s Act is amended, NRIs can’t be allowed to vote.
Shamsheer had stated in his petition that Section 20A is in violation of the fundamental rights enshrined under article 14, 19 and 21 of the constitution and seeks that all the NRIs living abroad be allowed to vote either in diplomatic commissions or make use of postal, proxy or electronic voting for the purpose.
Justice K S Radhakrishnan-led bench heard the plea.
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