Legal updates

On 13th October, the Madras High Court dismissed a Writ Petition challenging the validity of an Office Order issued by the Governing Board reconstituting the Auroville Town Development Council (ATDC). The most important rulings were: 1. Only the Governing Board has powers to constitute committees under Section 16 of the Auroville Foundation Act, and it is the only governing authority under the Act. 2. The Residents’ Assembly can only recommend, assist and advise the Governing Board, and the function of the Residents’ Assembly is only to supplement the powers of the Governing Board, and not to supplant the powers vested with the Governing Board as per the Auroville Foundation Act. 3. The present TDC was legally constituted by the Governing Board, and has all the rights and powers to abide by its mandate.

Tindivanam Court - Abri/Ami/Evergreen land claim. The case was listed for Friday 18th November, but the judge was on leave. The judgment has been adjourned until Monday 28th November.

Meanwhile the case of the appeal of the Foundation Office to the Supreme Court regarding the National Green Tribunal Ruling has been postponed until January 2023.