HYDERABAD: The High Court on Wednesday said several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in the name of service to orphans and the poor were not genuine voluntary bodies but entities misusing funds.
Court flags misuse of children's identities for funds
The court observed that it was widely known that some organisations project children with families as orphans to secure foreign donations. It noted that funds were being collected by sending the same student's name to donors in different countries under scholarship schemes.
Petition alleges violations and asset sale attempts
The court issued interim orders restraining the alienation of assets belonging to Operation Mobilisation (OM) India Group of Charities, which faces allegations and cases related to misuse of funds.
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A petition was filed by Secunderabad resident Gauri Paga Albert Loyal seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the organisation's affairs. The petitioner alleged that the management was attempting to sell institutional assets in violation of Supreme Court orders.
Senior counsel J. Sudhir, appearing for the petitioner, said the organisation lacked transparency. He alleged that relatives were appointed as directors and administrators, leading to financial benefits. He also pointed to violations under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act and sought a CBI probe.
CID, ED action cited; court seeks responses
The petitioner submitted that the Crime Investigation Department (CID) had filed a chargesheet in August 2023 but did not examine foreign funding aspects. He added that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had registered a case based on the CID probe and provisionally attached certain assets.
It was also alleged that representatives of the organisation were negotiating the sale of properties in multiple states.
Appearing for the CBI, special counsel Srinivas Kapatia said no formal complaint had been received for initiating an inquiry.
Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka, after hearing arguments, said it was well known what some organisations do in the name of service. The court issued notices to the Union and state home departments, the CBI, the Director General of Police, the CID Additional Director General, and OM Group of Charities. The matter was adjourned to April 23.