Mixed messages on entry

The Admissions Committee (i.e. the Auroville Entry Board) reminded the community that there is currently a case pending in the Madras High Court about a document entitled ‘Auroville Foundation (Admission and Termination of Persons in the Register of Residents) Regulations, 2023’ published in The Gazette of India by the Secretary of the Auroville Foundation on behalf of the Governing Board. While a final judgement on this matter is awaited, it has granted a stay order has been granted. A legal opinion was sought, which concluded that, “the Admissions Committee selected by the Residents Assembly can continue to function under the 2020 Regulations subject to any further or other orders passed by the Hon’ble Madras High Court”.

The Entry Board therefore informed the community that it can continue contacting the current Newcomers for their self assessments and other documentation; contacting the mentors for mentor reports and final recommendations; scheduling interviews; processing the current Newcomers to complete their process in one way or another; and scheduling clarification on Feedback. However, until further notice, the Entry Board will not be accepting new applications for any status in Auroville.

The FO Working Committee, however, declared this to be “misinformation”, stating that The Auroville Foundation (Admission and Termination of Persons in the Register of Residents) Regulations, 2020, was replaced by the Auroville Foundation (Admission and Termination of Persons in the Register of Residents) Regulations, 2023, in December 2023. This is a Ministry-approved document that is legally binding on all. Moreover, the new process outlined in the new Regulations is that an Admissions and Terminations Scrutinizing Committee will be formed by the Governing Board, composed of five members, at least two of whom will be Residents.

They warn applicants, “Please be informed that going through any process interviews/ meetings/ exchanges will be a mere waste of time and will not lead to you becoming a Registered Auroville Resident or Aurovilian… We empathize with the unfortunate situation you all find yourselves in. We are informed that our legal team is working actively on this, and the situation will be clarified soon.”

The RA Working Committee responded that the FO Working Committee’s ‘clarification’ contained confusing and misleading statements, pointing out that ‘Admission and Termination’ has always been a responsibility held by the Residents’ Assembly, not by the Governing Board, and this is stated in the Auroville Foundation Act. Also, the Court Order of February 23rd, 2024 is clear. It stays this new regulation because it “erodes upon the power of the Residents’ Assembly to allow admissions or cause the termination of persons in the register”.