NRI Cell petitions Supreme Court seeking voting rights for Non-Resident Goans; Apex Court issues notice to Centre
PANJIM: The Congress’ NRI Global Goan Cell has petitioned the Supreme Court seeking direction to Union Government to grant online or postal ballot voting rights to Non Residents Goans, staying overseas.
Addressing media persons on Thursday, Congress president Luizinho Faleiro said that the Apex Court has issued a notice to the Central government to submit their say within eight weeks. “If Central government cannot grant dual citizenship right to Goans at this stage, we appeal that Non Resident Goans be allowed to exercise their voting right in the upcoming State election,” he said.
“Non Resident Goans, who are contributing to the State economy at a time when there is complete economic meltdown, should be given right to vote,” Faleiro added.
He alleged that the Central government is currently working towards withdrawing the voting rights of Goans settled abroad claiming that these Goans have ceased to be Indian citizens and that the concept of dual citizenship does not exist in the country.
The petition filed by Congress’ NRI Global Goan Cell
President Simon D’Silva, points out that there are over five lakh Goans residing outside India for employment or education purpose and a substantial number are residents of the Gulf and Middle East countries.
The matter came up for hearing on November 18 before Chief Justice TS Thakur, who issued a notice to the Union government seeking a reply in eight weeks time. Former Union Minister and senior lawyer Kapil Sibal argued the matter on behalf of the petitioner.
Herald Goa News
PANJIM: The Congress’ NRI Global Goan Cell has petitioned the Supreme Court seeking direction to Union Government to grant online or postal ballot voting rights to Non Residents Goans, staying overseas.
Addressing media persons on Thursday, Congress president Luizinho Faleiro said that the Apex Court has issued a notice to the Central government to submit their say within eight weeks. “If Central government cannot grant dual citizenship right to Goans at this stage, we appeal that Non Resident Goans be allowed to exercise their voting right in the upcoming State election,” he said.
“Non Resident Goans, who are contributing to the State economy at a time when there is complete economic meltdown, should be given right to vote,” Faleiro added.
He alleged that the Central government is currently working towards withdrawing the voting rights of Goans settled abroad claiming that these Goans have ceased to be Indian citizens and that the concept of dual citizenship does not exist in the country.
The petition filed by Congress’ NRI Global Goan Cell
President Simon D’Silva, points out that there are over five lakh Goans residing outside India for employment or education purpose and a substantial number are residents of the Gulf and Middle East countries.
The matter came up for hearing on November 18 before Chief Justice TS Thakur, who issued a notice to the Union government seeking a reply in eight weeks time. Former Union Minister and senior lawyer Kapil Sibal argued the matter on behalf of the petitioner.
Herald Goa News
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