Doha, Nov 27: GPCC’s NRI Global Goan Cell Chairman has filed petition in Supreme Court of India for seeking direction, order to Union of India for granting online, postal ballot voting rights to non residents Goans and Indians who are staying overseas.

Addressing media persons on Thursday, November 24, 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 Chairman Simon D’Silva who is residing at Doha, Qatar due to occupational reasons is also the president of Goan Welfare Association Doha, Qatar so also is the president of Global Goan Chamber of Commerce, points out that there are over 5 lac Goans residing outside India for employment or education purpose and a substantial number are residents of the Gulf and Middle East countries.

Simon D’Silva has filed a Writ Petition under Article 32 of The Constitution of India before the honourable Supreme Court of India being writ petition (Civil) No. 920/2016 for issuance of such appropriate writ/order/direction mandating the Government to grant online/postal ballot voting rights to non Resident Goans, Indians who are living outside India due to their employment or education.

The petition so filed by D’Silva is intended to seek the indulgence of Supreme Court of India for passing an appropriate writ/order/direction to Union of India so that Goans and Indians who are residing outside India are granted online/postal ballet voting rights.

The said writ petition has been filed before Supreme Court of India and the same came up for hearing before the division bench of upreme Court of India headed by Chief Justice of India,Justice T. S. Thakuron November 18. The said writ petition was heard along with writ Petition (Civil) No. 80/2013 which petition is also pending adjudication before the Supreme Court of India for seeking such similar reliefs.

After hearing the petition filed by D’Silva the Supreme Court of India was pleased to issue notice to Union of India the respondent therein and accordingly the matter has been ordered to be listed in 8 weeks. Former union minister and senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued the matter on behalf of Simon D’Silva.

Petition has been prepared by Supreme Court Senior lawyer Binu Tamta and advocateYatish Naik, Ex-MLA Agnelo Fernandes and Moti Desai.

Simon D’Silva had travelled to Delhi for the purpose.