NGOs Should Avoid Using 'Central' or 'State' or 'National' In Their Names As Far As Possible: Kerala High Court

NGOs or association, or societies, as far as possible, should avoid, using the name 'Central' or 'State' or 'National', the Kerala High Court observed.

The bench comprising the Chief Justice S. Manikumar and Justice Shaji P. Chaly directed Inspector General of Registration to take a decision that, while registering, no private body should give an impression that, it is a statutory body.  

The court observed thus in an order disposing of a writ petition filed by State Environment Protection Council, an NGO based in Chelad, Kannur District, which had challenged construction of a building in violation of Rules. 

While considering the plea, the bench noticed that the name of the petitioner is described as the State Environment Protection Council. Therefore, it impleaded the Inspector General of Registration to consider whether, such NGOs or association or societies, be permitted to register, with the specific words, Central or State or National.  

"NGOs or associations or societies, should not give any impression, to the public at large that, it is a statutory body, under any enactment, State / Central, as the case may be. However, in the case on hand, we are of the view that the petitioner gives an impression, as if the petitioner is a statutory body. Needless to say that NGOs or association, or societies, registered under the Kerala Societies Registration Act, 1860, as far as possible, should avoid, using the name 'Central' or 'State' or 'National'.", the bench said.

We direct the registering authority to take a decision that, while registering, no private body should give an impression that, it is a statutory body. Inspector General of Registration, State of Kerala, is directed to take appropriate decision, within two months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment, the Court ordered. 

Case : STATE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COUNCIL vs. STATE OF KERALA [WP(C).No.2366 OF 2015(S) ]

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