The FCRA division of home ministry also mentioned alleged under-reporting of foreign contribution that Lawyers Collective received and mentioned in its IT returns to CBDT that attracts penal provisions under section 30 of the FCRA.
Lawyers Collective, a well-known NGO working in the field of women rights, drug policy and abuse and health issues has been served a show cause notice for violating provisions of foreign contribution regulation act (FCRA).
Based on a complaint by Jaipur resident Raj Kumar Sharma, Union home ministry's notice alleged that preliminary assessment of records revealed that Lawyer's Collective, when its Secretary, Indira Jaising (chief functionary) was a 'public servant' employed as additional solicitor general (ASG) received foreign contribution of Rs 11.67 crore during financial years 2009-10 to 2011-12.
"As per Section 3(1) (c) of FCRA 2010, a government servant or employee of any corporation or any other body controlled or owned by the government is prohibited from receiving foreign contribution, thereby violating Section 3(1) (c) of FCRA, 2010," the notice says.
The FCRA division of home ministry also mentioned alleged under-reporting of foreign contribution that Lawyers Collective received and mentioned in its IT returns to CBDT that attracts penal provisions under section 30 of the FCRA.
In her response to the home ministry, Jaisinh, managing trustee of Lawyers Collective, expressed shock for releasing the notice to the press even before it was served on Lawyers Collective or her.
"I am constrained to come to the conclusion that this is an exercise in creating a negative public perception about me and the Lawyers Collective and not about the alleged violations of law," wrote Jaisinh asking the government that she would expect it "follow the legal route, rather than use the press to achieve extraneous aims."
She further said that Lawyers Collective did receive a letter on November 5 requesting to answer a standard questionnaire, which they are in the process of replying by due date of December 7.
"Neither I nor the Lawyers Collective has received any notice from you under FCRA relating to allegations about violation of the FCRA or any other law. As and when it is received, it will be responded in accordance with law," Jaisinh said.
Incidentally, Jaisinh is representing Gujarat-based social activist Teesta Seetalvad's whose NGO is facing CBI inquiry for violating FCRA provisions. Her husband, Anand Grover, a well-known human rights lawyer had recently petitioned the Supreme Court to stop death penalty of 1993 Bombay blast convict Yakub Memon.
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