Response from the RA-WCom to the AVFO circular

On 18 April, the RA-WCom responded to the 11 April 2025 circular sent out by the Auroville Foundation Office. The RA-WCom noted that, once again, the Foundation Office and the groups and individuals who are recognised by them are attempting to erode the sense of community and spirit of unity by sowing confusion and fear. It clarified that community gatherings of residents are not breaking any laws, and that it is therefore not required to obtain any prior approval. “It is fully within the rights of residents to hold meetings to share information and experiences. The fact that the Foundation Office and its appointed groups are trying to stop residents from gathering shows their insecurity in their forcefully assumed positions and in their continuing attempts to control people at all costs,” wrote the RA-WCom.

Regarding ‘who is the true Working Committee’ the RA-WCom reminded the community that four individuals mentioned in the circular as the ‘Working Committee’ were specifically dismissed by the Residents’ Assembly in its decision of May 2022 and that the three others were co-opted by those who had been dismissed. The RA-WCom also recalled the explicit provision of the Auroville Foundation Act that the RA will determine the manner of choosing and the term of office of its Working Committee. “Neither the Governing Board nor any employee or appointee of the Foundation office has any say in the selection, constitution or ‘recognition’ of the Working Committee,” stated the RA-WCom. Lastly, the RA-WCom made reference to a ruling of the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court of 4 September 2023 stating that the RA as a statutory body must be allowed to carry out its functions as per Sections 18, 19 and 20 of the Auroville Foundation Act.