Kathmandu, September 11
A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court seeking action against Green Army Nepal, an organisation involved in rescue and relief operations following the Rasuwa floods, for allegedly using uniforms, ranks and insignia resembling those of the Nepali Army.
The petition, filed on Friday by advocates Sambharaj Aryal, Purna Bahadur Saud, Govind Ram Pariyar and Bishnuvar Singh Thapa, seeks cancellation of the organisation’s registration and an order preventing it from using military-style structures, uniforms, ranks and insignia.
The petitioners have named the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Social Welfare Council, Kathmandu District Administration Office, Gokarneshwar Municipality and the Office of the Company Registrar as defendants.
The first hearing of the petition has been scheduled for Monday.
Petition challenges ‘Green Army’ structure
According to the petition, Green Army Nepal is registered with the Office of the Company Registrar as a non-governmental organisation working in areas including environmental protection, youth leadership, social service and disaster management.
However, the petitioners argue that the organisation cannot be treated as an ordinary NGO because it presents itself as a “military-inspired” youth organisation.
They claim the organisation has divided its members into military-style ranks such as cadet, brigadier, marshal and chief marshal, while also using titles such as “Chief Marshal/Chairperson” and “Cadet” on its website.
The petition further alleges that the organisation uses the word “Army” and operates with military-style uniforms, ranks, insignia, boots and radio sets.
The petitioners say such practices could create the impression among members of the public that Green Army Nepal is affiliated with the Nepali Army or another state security agency.
Rasuwa flood response brings issue into focus
The petition specifically points to the organisation’s involvement in rescue and relief operations following the Rasuwa Gadhi disaster.
The petitioners said images and footage of Green Army members wearing uniforms and rank insignia similar to those used by the Nepali Army while carrying out rescue and relief operations had been publicly circulated through the media.
They argue that the incident has raised serious questions about the boundary between civilian organisations and the country’s security institutions.
According to the petition, allowing a non-governmental organisation to adopt a military-style identity could confuse the public and undermine the distinct institutional identity of Nepal’s security agencies.
The petitioners have also raised concerns over national security, civilian identification and the constitutional role of state security institutions.
Government approvals also challenged
The petition questions permissions and approvals allegedly granted to Green Army Nepal by government agencies for the use of its uniforms.
According to the petitioners, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence and Kathmandu District Administration Office had provided permission or consent regarding the organisation’s uniforms.
They claim that although the Defence Ministry had given a favourable opinion on the grounds that the proposed uniform was different from those used by the Nepali Army and other security agencies, the organisation’s actual uniform, military-style structure and ranks could still create confusion among the public.
The petitioners have asked the Supreme Court to annul such government decisions, opinions and approvals if they are found to conflict with the Constitution and existing laws.
They have also challenged the registration and renewal of Green Army Nepal by the Office of the Company Registrar, arguing that its name, objectives and activities should have been subjected to greater scrutiny under the Company Act.
The petition seeks broader legal and administrative standards to ensure that no non-governmental organisation or local government body can use uniforms, insignia or military titles resembling those of Nepal’s security agencies.
