D-voter and rules governing D voters

News: The issue of ‘D’ (Doubtful) voters in Assam has resurfaced as the opposition demands the tabling of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) report and the closure of the state transit camp. D-voter and rules governing D voters.

About D-voter

• The term “D-voter” refers to “Doubtful Voter”, a classification used in Assam to indicate individuals whose citizenship status is under question.
• These individuals were marked as “D” (Doubtful) during the process of updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam.
• This designation prevents them from exercising their voting rights until their citizenship status is verified.
• The ‘D’ voter category exists only in Assam, where individuals unable to prove their Indian nationality are marked for verification.
• Verification Process for D-Voters:
  • Families or individuals classified as D-voters are notified after the verification process.
  • They are granted a hearing before the Taluk or Sub-district Registrar of Citizenship.
  • The Registrar must complete the verification and justify it within 90 days.
• Removal from D-Voter List:
  • D-voters can apply to have their names removed from the D-category.
  • They will be added only after obtaining approval from the Foreigners Tribunals and having their names removed from the “D” category on the electoral rolls.

Legal Framework Governing D-Voters

• Citizenship Act, 1955: This Act governs the acquisition and determination of Indian citizenship. However, it does not explicitly define “Doubtful Voter” or “Doubtful Citizenship.”
• Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003:This amendment led to the creation of the Citizenship Rules, 2003. It introduced the concept of the National Population Register (NPR) and the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC). Under Section 4(4) of the Act, the Local Registrar must include individuals whose citizenship is in doubt with a remark in the population register for further investigation.
• Foreigners Tribunals (FTs): The Foreigners Tribunals are responsible for deciding the citizenship status of individuals marked as D-voters. Individuals can appeal to these tribunals to prove their citizenship.
• Election Commission of India (ECI) Guidelines: D-voters are excluded from electoral rolls and cannot vote in elections. They are also barred from contesting elections until their citizenship status is confirmed.