Question : RIGHT TO VOTE

(a) : whether the Right to Vote was denied to a large number of citizens under some directives of the Government during Lok Sabha and Assembly elections held in 1998, 1999 and February, 2000;

(b) : if so, the reasons therefore;

(c) : the details of such persons who were denied to use their franchise, State and Union Territory-wise;

(d) : whether the Government have received any representation for restoration of Right to Vote to such persons;

(e) : if so, the details thereof;

(f) : whether the Government have organised any meeting with leaders of all political parties for electoral reform particularly on this issue; (g) : if so, the details thereof; (h) : whether the Government propose to amend the Representation of People Act, 1951; (i) : if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefore; and (j) : if not, the action taken by the Government to restore the Right to Vote to such persons?

MINISTER OF LAW, JUSTICE & COMPANY AFFAIRS

(SHRI RAM JETHMALANI)

(a), (b) and (c) : No, Sir. Right to vote at an election is governed by the provisions of section 62 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and only such of the electors whose names are borne on the electoral roll for the time being in force are eligible to vote at an election, subject to the exceptions made in section 16 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (43 of 1950). According to the information made available by the Election Commission of India, during the intensive revision of electoral rolls in Assam with reference to 1st January, 1997 as the qualifying date, about three lakh citizens had been detected as `D` Voters: meaning `Doubtful/Disputed` under the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, 1983 and Foreigners Act, 1946. These voters were not allowed to vote during General Elections to Lok Sabha in 1998 and 1999.

(d) : No, Sir.

(e) : Does not arise.

(f) : No, Sir.

(g) : Does not arise.

(h),
(i) & (j) : No, Sir. No action is called for on the part of the Government.