30 OCI Holders Under Scrutiny for Fraudulent Voting in Tamil Nadu Elections
Authorities are investigating 30 OCI cardholders who allegedly voted in Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, violating laws prohibiting foreign nationals from casting ballots. The probe focuses on their false declarations regarding the surrender of Indian voter identity cards. OCI status of foreigners who voted in Tamil Nadu Assembly election comes under scrutiny The number of foreigners of Indian origin who voted in a fraudulent manner has increased to 30. Their declaration while applying for the OCI.
The OCI program grants permanent residency to people of Indian origin but explicitly excludes the right to vote. Investigation reveals 30 individuals held foreign citizenship while maintaining active names on Indian electoral rolls. By applying for OCI status, these individuals signed a declaration confirming they had surrendered all Indian identity documents; failing to do so constitutes a false declaration.
State election authorities and the Ministry of External Affairs are now cross-referencing these declarations. Evidence suggests a failure to purge electoral rolls upon citizenship renunciation. Any individual found in breach faces potential OCI cancellation under the Citizenship Act, 1955, and further legal action.
- Suspects involved: 30
- State of incident: Tamil Nadu
- Legal framework: Citizenship Act, 1955
- Core breach: Illegal voting and false declaration of status
Glossary
OCI (Overseas Citizen of India): An immigration status for foreign citizens of Indian origin that does not include voting rights.
Section 7D: The provision in the Citizenship Act, 1955, authorizing the cancellation of OCI registration for fraud or violation of law.
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