D
VOTERS : NATIONAL ISSUE
NEWS
: Himanta
Biswa Sarma: 1.2 lakh 'D' voters identified, 41,583 declared foreigners
WHAT’S
IN THE NEWS ?
'D'
Voters and Related Processes in Assam
'D'
Voters
- Meaning: 'D' stands for Dubious or Doubtful;
refers to individuals in Assam whose citizenship is under question.
- Origin: Concept introduced by the Election
Commission of India in 1997.
- Context: Linked to Assam's history of migration,
particularly from Bangladesh, and concerns over cultural and economic
impacts.
- Legality: The term 'Doubtful voter' is not
explicitly defined in the Citizenship Act of 1955 or the Citizenship Rules
of 2003.
- Purpose: Ensures only eligible citizens are
listed on electoral rolls.
Citizenship
Verification Process
- Notification: 'D' voters are notified and given a
chance to present their case before a Taluk or Sub-district Registrar of
Citizenship.
- Timeframe: Individuals have 90 days to make their
case.
- Temporary
Status: 'D'
voter status is temporary; a definitive decision must be made within a set
period.
- Voting
Rights: 'D'
voters cannot vote or run for office until their citizenship is confirmed.
- Deportation: If determined to be a foreign national,
'D' voters may face deportation or detention in transit camps.
- NRC
Inclusion:
Confirmed citizens can apply for inclusion in the National Register of
Citizens (NRC) after clearance from Foreigners Tribunals.
Foreigners
Tribunals (FTs)
- Establishment: Created under the Foreigners (Tribunals)
Order of 1964.
- Function: Adjudicate cases of individuals
suspected of being foreigners.
- Judicial
Authority:
Headed by members with judicial experience; possess powers similar to
civil courts.
- Case
Resolution: FTs
are required to resolve cases within 60 days of referral.
- Outcomes: Can order detention of individuals in
transit camps if sufficient proof of citizenship is not provided.
Way
Forward
- Challenges: The 'D' voter concept reflects the
complexities of citizenship issues in Assam, particularly concerning
identity, migration, and national belonging.
- Recommendation: Processes surrounding citizenship
verification should be fair, transparent, and respect human rights.
Source
: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/himanta-biswa-sarma-12-lakh-d-voters-identified-41583-declared-foreigners-1081152-2024-08-28