The SC directed the government to enable e-voting by NRIs within two months after making necessary amendments to the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951.

The move to allow e-voting by NRIs got a major push with the Narendra Modi government on July 8 submitting before the Supreme Court that the Union Cabinet would soon consider a draft Bill in this regard before it is tabled in Parliament.

"The government is also planning to extend the facility to the armed forces personnel and their families serving away from their native place, including abroad," Additional Solicitor General PL Narasimha submitted before a bench headed by Chief Justice HL Dattu. The apex court bench then directed the government to enable e-voting by NRIs within two months after making necessary amendments to the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951, which deals with elections in the country. Once this is allowed, the NRIs (non-resident Indians) will not have to fly down to their hometown during the elections.

Till now only a miniscule of them came to India to vote, given the expense and time involved. The government told the court that it has approved e-ballot voting for Indian passport holders abroad, recommended by the Election Commission in a report, and it would have the process in place after amending laws.

According to the Election Commission, the e-postal ballot system has almost no risk of manipulation, rigging or violation of secrecy. It is heartening news for an estimated 25 million NRIs across the world. It is also a big victory for Nagender Chindam, chairman of the UK-based Pravasi Bharat, and Shamsheer VP, an NRI from Kerala, who took up the cause a year ago and knocked the apex court's door.

"This is a huge step forward for us," said Chindam reacting to the government submission. "Voting rights cannot be denied to those who go outside for study or in search of employment. As India finds itself in the throes of a positive political transformation, 25 million NRIs could realise their dream of redefining the political landscape of the country by finally casting their ballot from wherever they are instead of physically coming to India," he added. "We are excited after this positive outcome on this case, which could change the dynamics of Indian politics and will be historic in our largest democracy.

The court order means an astonishing average of 18,000 votes per constituency may get polled from abroad. These additional votes, if polled, will obviously play a crucial role in state and general elections," Chindam said.