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The Supreme Court has granted the government a time frame of six weeks to work out the modalities and other aspects to allow proxy voting and e-ballots for NRIs during in the elections. The original petition in this case was filed by Nagender Chindam, who is the chairman of Pravasi Bharat.

"To see our struggle move another step closer to its goal is a matter of huge pride for us. I am so grateful to the apex court for taking up this issue. We are very hopeful that everything will work out in our favour," said Chindam.

The government has earlier informed the Supreme Court that it accepted the Election Commission's (EC) view that the option of voting through proxy or an e-postal ballot system could be considered for NRIs who want to cast their vote during elections in India.

EC has said to the apex court that, "The option of voting through proxy appointed by overseas elector as well as "e-postal ballot’, where blank postal ballot paper is transferred electronically to the NRI and returned by post can be considered." EC report was submitted by a committee formed to look into the issue following a Supreme Court order. According to the EC, the e-postal ballot system has almost no risk of manipulation, rigging or violation of secrecy.

This historical decision will ensure the expatriates are also having a say in the electoral process of their parent country. This will instill new confidence in them to participate in the electoral process and vote for their favourite candidate. E-ballets will be a new concept which will allow the NRIs to cast their vote responsibly. Shortly the modalities regarding this will be decided and will be implemented as per the Supreme Court’s instructions. Voting rights for NRIs are a long pending demand by the expatriates. Once the modalities are finalized and election commission gives the node, this can be experimented in a few assembly elections, to start with.

By Premji