Photo: Facebook page of Green Army Nepal, Kathmandu
Kathmandu, September 14: The Supreme Court has issued a show-cause order against the government and security agencies over a writ petition challenging the legality of “Green Army Nepal,” a non-profit organisation accused of adopting military-style ranks, uniforms and insignia resembling those of the Nepali Army.
A single bench of Justice Nityanand Pandey issued the order after a preliminary hearing on the petition, which was filed by advocates Samba Raj Aryal, Purna Bahadur Saud, Govinda Ram Pariyar and Bishnu Bar Singh Thapa. The order (Case No. 063-WO-0250) directs respondents to submit written replies within 15 days, with the matter listed for further proceedings later this month.
According to the writ, Green Army Nepal is registered with the Office of the Company Registrar as an NGO working in environmental protection, youth leadership, social service and disaster management.
The petitioners argue, however, that the organisation functions less like an ordinary non-profit and more like a “military-inspired” body — dividing its members into ranks such as cadet, brigadier, marshal and chief marshal, and using titles like “Chief Marshal/Chairperson” on its official website.
Notably, reports indicate the Ministry of Defence and Kathmandu District Administration Office had previously reviewed and approved Green Army Nepal’s uniform design reportedly in 2021, on the basis that it did not replicate official Nepali Army camouflage or insignia.
The petitioners contend that the organisation’s subsequent adoption of ranks, chains of command and additional military-style equipment goes well beyond what was originally approved, raising fresh legal questions about impersonation of state security forces.
