New Delhi, July 09 (ANI): The Supreme Court gave the Central government two months to complete formalities of a legislation seeking to grant voting rights for Non-resident Indians (NRIs). In January this year, the Centre had informed the Supreme Court that it had accepted a recommendation from the Election Commission (EC) to allow NRIs to vote through the e-ballot system or through a chosen nominee. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice, HL Dattu, had then given a time of eight weeks to bring into effect the necessary amendments to implement the recommendations of EC. Lawyer, Haris Beeran, said that the Central government told the court that the government was awaiting cabinet’s approval of the bill following which it will be put to vote in the Parliament. If implemented, the decision to allow NRIs to vote would mean that expatriates emerge as a decisive force in Indian politics. There are 21 million people of Indian origin living abroad.

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