The Auroville Foundation Act, 1988
📖 The Auroville Foundation Act, 1988
1. Background
Auroville is an international township founded in 1968 near Puducherry, inspired by the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother (Mirra Alfassa).
It was meant to be a place for human unity, spiritual growth, and cultural exchange.
Initially, Auroville was managed by the Sri Aurobindo Society. However, disputes arose regarding management, funds, and control.
To ensure smooth functioning, the Government of India enacted the Auroville (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1980 (taking over temporary management).
Later, Parliament passed the Auroville Foundation Act, 1988 to provide a permanent and autonomous legal structure for Auroville’s administration.
2. Objectives of the Act
To establish the Auroville Foundation as a statutory body.
To vest the management of Auroville in the Foundation.
To ensure Auroville develops as a universal township dedicated to the ideals of Sri Aurobindo.
To provide a democratic structure for residents to participate in decision-making.
To protect international character while ensuring accountability.
3. Structure of the Foundation under the Act
The Auroville Foundation consists of three main authorities:
(a) Governing Board
Appointed by the Central Government.
Includes eminent persons in philosophy, culture, education, and international affairs.
Functions: overall management, policy-making, property supervision, and safeguarding Auroville’s vision.
(b) Residents’ Assembly
Comprises all residents of Auroville who are registered.
Functions:
Discuss community matters,
Make recommendations to the Governing Board,
Approve development plans,
Maintain the spirit of unity.
(c) Auroville International Advisory Council
Consists of international members (scholars, thinkers, cultural representatives).
Advises on maintaining the international character of Auroville.
4. Property and Finances
All property, funds, and assets of Auroville are vested in the Foundation.
The Foundation can receive donations, grants, and contributions from India and abroad.
Proper auditing and accountability is ensured through annual reports to Parliament.
5. Special Features of the Act
Recognizes Auroville as a unique cultural and spiritual experiment.
Balances government supervision with resident participation.
Maintains international status of Auroville by involving foreign advisors.
Provides legal protection to prevent disputes regarding ownership or management.
6. Case Law Related to Auroville Foundation Act, 1988
1. Sri Aurobindo Society v. Union of India (1982, SC)
Background: The Society challenged the takeover under the Auroville (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1980.
Supreme Court upheld the Act and stated that Parliament was competent to legislate since Auroville was of national and international importance.
This laid the foundation for the 1988 Act.
2. Auroville Foundation v. Auroville Residents Service (Madras HC, 1994)
Issue: Whether certain residents’ committees had authority over Auroville property.
Court held: All property vests in the Foundation under the 1988 Act, and residents’ bodies can only function under the framework of the Foundation.
3. Auroville Foundation v. Central Government (Various cases in 2000s)
Disputes sometimes arose between residents and the Governing Board.
Courts repeatedly held that the 1988 Act gives supremacy to the Foundation, but also obligates it to work in harmony with residents through the Residents’ Assembly.
7. Importance of the Act
It institutionalized Auroville’s governance in a balanced way.
Ensures transparency and accountability in managing international donations.
Protects the vision of Sri Aurobindo by preventing misuse of Auroville for commercial or personal gain.
Strengthens India’s global image by maintaining Auroville as a symbol of peace and human unity.
8. Conclusion
The Auroville Foundation Act, 1988 is a special legislation designed not only for management but also to preserve the spiritual and cultural essence of Auroville.
It created a three-tier structure (Governing Board, Residents’ Assembly, International Advisory Council).
Judicial precedents confirmed the validity and supremacy of the Act.
It balances government authority, residents’ democracy, and international cooperation – making Auroville a unique township in the world.
✅ In short: The Act is not just about administration, but about protecting a global experiment in human unity, blending law with philosophy.
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