A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court against the Green Army, which was seen during rescue operations following the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli flood in Rasuwa.
The petition was filed on Friday, alleging that the organization deployed personnel during the disaster wearing uniforms resembling those of the Nepal Army.
Advocates Samba Raj Aryal, Purna Bahadur Saud, Gobinda Ram Pariyar, and Bishnu Barsingh Thapa filed the petition, arguing that a non-governmental organization had used a military-style structure, uniforms, ranks, and insignia in violation of Nepal's Constitution and prevailing laws.
The petition names Green Army Nepal, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Social Welfare Council, District Administration Office, Kathmandu, Gokarneshwar Municipality, and the Office of the Company Registrar as defendants.
The first hearing on the petition has been scheduled for Monday.
The petitioners have argued that Green Army Nepal cannot be viewed simply as an ordinary non-governmental organization.
According to the petition, the organization is registered with the Office of the Company Registrar under the name “Green Army Nepal.”
The organization states in its public profile that it aims to work in areas including environmental protection, youth leadership, social service, and disaster management.
However, the petition alleges that the organization presents itself as a “military-inspired” youth organization, dividing its members into military-style ranks such as cadet, brigadier, marshal, and chief marshal. Its website also uses designations such as chief marshal/chairperson and cadet, according to the petition.
The petitioners further claim that the organization uses the word “army” and employs military-style structures, ranks, uniforms, insignia, boots, and equipment such as radio sets.
The petition argues that such practices could create confusion among the public, leading people to believe that the organization is affiliated with the Nepal Army or other state security agencies.
The petitioners have described the deployment of Green Army members in rescue and relief operations wearing military-style uniforms and insignia resembling those of the Nepal Army as objectionable.
They have demanded that any permission granted by government agencies to the organization be annulled by the court, arguing that it conflicts with the Constitution and prevailing laws.
The petition also accuses the Office of the Company Registrar of failing to adequately examine public-interest concerns and legal standards when registering and renewing the company under the name Green Army Nepal.
Citing provisions of the Companies Act, 2006, which allow authorities to prevent the registration of companies whose names or objectives are contrary to public interest or likely to cause confusion, the petitioners have sought a review of the company's name, objectives, and activities.
