‘Recall orders against Greenpeace India’

‘Centre’s move shows that dissent in development policies and priorities will not be tolerated’

Criticising the Union government’s actions against Greenpeace India as an “attack on democracy and the freedom of speech,” civil society organisations wrote to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday seeking a recall of the orders.

The Home Ministry has suspended the non-governmental organisation’s registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act for 180 days and frozen its bank accounts for alleged financial irregularities.

A show-cause notice has been issued, seeking a response within 30 days.

Violation of rights

“The Centre’s move to freeze Greenpeace India’s bank accounts and block sources of funds is a blatant violation of the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association,” the petition by the civil society groups said.

The government action, it said, seemed to be an attempt to warn civil society that dissent on development policies and priorities would not be tolerated, even when these were proving to be ecologically unsustainable and socially unjust.

The petition said the notice to Greenpeace India charged the organisation with causing an adverse impact on “public interest” and the “economic interest of the State”.

“These charges give the impression that it is indulging in anti-national activities, using foreign funds.”