Civil society protests illegal raid

By Dilip -
SOLIDARITY FORUM FOR DISSENT
Bangalore

Over the past week, we have been witness to raids by Enforcement Directorate of the Indian Finance Ministry on the offices of The Quint and Greenpeace India, two key civil society organisations of India, in Delhi and Bangalore respectively.  We were to learn later that The News Minute office also had ED officials dropping in, key journalists were questioned and copies of documents of taken.

In the case of Greenpeace, the raid was absolutely illegal, as the ED officials had no warrant to search the office. Yet, they illegally entered Greenpeace office in Bangalore, detained key officials, searched documents and took away copies of several documents, all without any authority vested by the due process of law.  

We consider this as not merely an attack on these organisations alone, but on civil society in general, media included. We note that those who are critical of the Government, as also those who are exposing and challenging human rights and environmental violations of certain Corporations, are being targeted. We also note that those who work with and for advancing the rights of vulnerable communities, especially Dalits, Adivasis, LGBT communities and women, are being systemically targeted as well, in such raids across India. Often, this has resulted in arrests of key activists and journalists. 

We wholesomely agree with Supreme Court Judge D. Y. Chandruchud who has held: "Dissent is a symbol of a vibrant democracy. Voices in opposition cannot be muzzled by persecuting those who take up unpopular causes.” The act of Enquiry and Dissent are  fundamental aspects of citizenship, and helps shape a vibrant and productive democracy.  Any individual or organisation exercising this Fundamental Right of Citizenship, which is also a Fundamental Duty of Citizenship, must not be harassed or terrorised by any form of abuse of power; be this in the Government, Corporation, Public Sector, Civil Society, Academia and Media.  We believe such encroachments of fundamental rights constitute an attack on the Constitutional promise of delivering a secure and fearless Citizenship for all, especially those who dissent.

In a Press Conference to be held at Press Club of Bangalore @Cubbon Park, between 11 - 11.30 am on 15th October 2018, Monday, we will explain our concerns, why this Solidarity Forum for Dissent has become necessary, and what actions will follow. We will also explain how we will advance this struggle to secure fundamental rights of one and all, particularly of those who dissent.

Addressing the Press Conference will be: Mathew Philips (SICHREM), Nandini (Greenpeace sponsor), Reshma (Swaraj Sanghatane), Akhila Vidyasandra (Advocate), Vijay Kumar Seetappa (Karnataka Janarogya Chaluvali), K. P. Singh (Swaraj Abhiyan), Manohar (Human Rights Defenders Alert), Aakar Patel (Amnesty India), Lekha Adavi (Alternative Law Forum), Aruna Chandrashekar (Independent Journalist) and Leo F. Saldanha (Environment Support Group).

We cordially invite you to this Press Conference and look forward to your solidarity and support - with the cause for and of celebrating Dissent.

Yours sincerely,
   
Mallesh K. R.
Environment Support Group

On behalf of: Solidarity Forum for Dissent
Address for contact:
ESG, 1572, Ring Road, Banashankari II Stage, Bangalore 560070. 

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