People left out of Assam NRC can vote until declared foreigners by tribunals, says EC

In a major relief to those left out of the NRC, the Election Commission has reiterated those who failed to make the cut will continue to have their right to vote until declared foreigners by tribunals.

According to the Election Commission, D-Voters will remain on Assam’s electoral roll unless their case is decided by a Foreigners’ Tribunal.

More than 19 lakh people didn’t make the cut when the final NRC was published on August 31st this year. However, now the election commission has made it clear that voting rights of these 19 lakh people would not be taken away until their case is pending at tribunal which simply means they can vote until they are not declared as foreigners.

Those left out from the list have been given 120 days to appeal against their exclusion at the Foreigners Tribunals. If not satisfied with the verdict of the tribunals, they will have the option to move the High Court and the Supreme Court for redress.