Continue operations for now, rules the court.
By Dileep Thekkethil
Greenpeace India, the Indian chapter of the international non-profit organization, which faced eviction threat after Tamil Nadu Registrar of Societies cancelled its registration citing violations of certain norms, received a stay from Madras High Court, allowing the organization to continue its operations in the country.
According to the stay order received, Greenpeace, the non-profit environment group, can go ahead offering services in India until a final verdict is pronounced by the court on charges of financial irregularities slapped by the government.
In April, the government suspended the operations of Greenpeace India alleging that the NGO was receiving foreign funds that were unaccounted and without government clearance. Greenpeace challenged it in the court and received a favorable verdict.
Early this month, the government went a step further and cancelled the registration of Greenpeace India, forcing the organization to once again seek the help of the court.
Foreign funds received by NGOs came under intense scrutiny after the BJP-led government came to power in the centre. This was after the intelligence bureau reported that the functions of a few NGOs were hurting the economic growth of the country.