HC orders interim stay on cancellation of Greenpeace's FCRA registration

Govt had cancelled the registration of the NGO under the FCRA for its activities which allegedly hampered country's economic growth

The Madras High Court on Wednesday provided a breather to NGO Greenpeace India when it orderd an interim stay for eight weeks on the cancellation of Greenpeace’s registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulations Act (FCRA). The court directed the organisation’s advocate to serve notice to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Greenpeace informed the Madras High Court of its intention to withdraw its ongoing case in the Delhi High Court against the temporary suspension of its FCRA, as that case was now rendered infructuous, since the MHA’s cancellation order under section 14 of the FCRA replaces the earlier suspension order issued under section 13 (2).

The government had cancelled the registration of Greenpeace India earlier this month under the FCRA for its activities which allegedly hampered country's economic growth.

The order meant that the NGO will continue to receive funds from abroad, which are up to 30 per cent of its overall cost of operations.

Commenting on the court order Vinuta Gopal, co-Executive Director of Greenpeace India said, "The MHA has interpreted the FCRA law arbitrarily to build an imaginary case against us, while accusing us of acting against national interest."

 “This is a matter of principle for us; almost 70 per cent of our income comes from our Indian supporters. But we believe the MHA cannot be allowed to get away with the smear campaign and baseless allegations they have made. We don’t believe the Ministry of Home Affairs – and by extension the government - should have unlimited powers to suppress dissent based on its own perception of what constitutes national interest,” he said.