Sep 11, Kathmandu - The Supreme Court of Nepal has received a writ petition challenging the activities of ‘Green Army Nepal,’ a non-governmental organization (NGO) accused of using military-style uniforms, ranks, and insignia during disaster relief operations, resembling the Nepali Army.

Lawyers Samba Raj Aryal, Purna Bahadur Saud, Govindram Pariyar, and Bishnuwar Singh Thapa filed the petition, arguing that the organization’s structure, attire, ranks, and symbols violate the Nepali Constitution and existing laws. The petition names the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministries of Home, Defense, the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Social Welfare Council, Kathmandu District Administration Office, Gokarneshwar Municipality, and the Office of the Company Registrar as respondents.

The first hearing of the case is scheduled for this Monday.

The petitioners contend that ‘Green Army Nepal’ cannot be regarded merely as a typical NGO. According to the petition, the organization is registered under the same name with the Office of the Company Registrar, claiming to work in environmental conservation, youth leadership, social service, and disaster management.

However, the organization portrays itself as a “military-inspired” youth group, dividing its members into ranks such as ‘Cadet,’ ‘Brigadier,’ ‘Marshal,’ and ‘Chief Marshal,’ and using military titles like ‘Chief Marshal/Chairperson’ and ‘Cadet’ on its website, the petition states.

Furthermore, the organization reportedly employs military-style uniforms, insignia, boots, radios, and other equipment, which could create confusion among the public regarding its affiliation with the Nepali Army or other state security agencies.

The petition highlights that recent images showing ‘Green Army Nepal’ members in military-style attire engaged in rescue and relief activities during recent disasters have raised concerns over the organization's true nature and intentions.

The petitioners argue that such activities and symbols threaten to undermine the distinction between state security agencies and non-governmental organizations, potentially causing public confusion and risking national security.

Nepal’s Constitution regards national security, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity as sensitive issues. The Nepali Army’s constitutional role, as outlined in Article 267, is to defend the country’s independence and sovereignty. The petition emphasizes that any non-governmental organization adopting military attire and symbols without official authorization violates constitutional and legal provisions.

The petition also questions the legitimacy of the permits allegedly granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defense, and Kathmandu District Administration to ‘Green Army Nepal’ for using military-style uniforms and insignia, arguing that such approval could mislead the public into perceiving the group as an official security body.

The petitioners demand the court annul any permissions or approvals granted by government agencies, citing that such authorization violates constitutional norms and laws. They also call for a review and potential cancellation of the company registration of ‘Green Army Nepal,’ arguing that the organization’s purpose and activities could foster public confusion and undermine national security.

The case is expected to set a precedent regarding the use of military symbols and attire by non-security organizations in Nepal, emphasizing the need for clear legal and administrative guidelines to prevent misuse and confusion.