Activists criticise govt's move to cancel licence of Indira Jaising's NGO

NEW DELHI: Some of the leading activists today criticised the Centre's decision to cancel licence of 'Lawyers Collective', an NGO run by noted lawyer Indira Jaising.

Condemning the Centre's decision, Anjali Gopalan, Executive Director of Naz Foundation, said, "What is shocking about the order served on the Lawyers' Collective is the statement that they have done nothing for women's development and empowerment."

Uma Chakravarti, historian and social activist alleged that the move by the central government was a "new witch-hunt of our times."


Expressing solidarity with the NGO, JNU Professor Ayesha Kidwai lauded the 'Lawyers' Collective' for the "resolute fight for justice they have put up through the years".

Ministry of Home Affairs cancelled the licence of 'Lawyers' Collective' permanently, alleging violation of FCRA, an action termed by the organisation as "preposterous" and an attack on "right to free speech" guaranteed under the Constitution.