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Doubtful Voters in Assam: Citizenship, Legal Hurdles, and Updates

Why in the News?

The issue of Doubtful Voters (D-Voters) in Assam remains a major concern, with thousands awaiting citizenship verification by Foreigners Tribunals. Recent legal proceedings and policy discussions have reignited debates on procedural fairness, human rights, and the verification process.

Understanding D-Voters in Assam:

• Doubtful Voters (D-Voters) are individuals whose Indian citizenship is under question.
• Introduced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in 1997 for those lacking valid citizenship documents.
• D-Voters are barred from voting, contesting elections, and accessing certain government benefits until their status is confirmed.

Recent Developments and Challenges

• The D-Voter status is temporary, and cases must be resolved within a stipulated timeframe.
• Many individuals face long legal battles, causing social and economic hardships.
• Assam has witnessed several protests and legal challenges related to the issue, highlighting concerns over human rights and procedural fairness.
• The government is working on measures to streamline the verification process and ensure a fair resolution of cases.

Legal Provisions Governing D-Voters:

• Citizenship Rules, 2003, framed under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003, govern citizenship verification.
• The National Population Register (NPR) and National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC) maintain citizenship records.
• Local Registrars flag cases of doubtful citizenship, referring them to Foreigners Tribunals for verification.
• If declared foreign nationals or illegal immigrants, individuals may face deportation or detention.