'Green Wave 12' survey aimed at religious group and threat to India's integrity; High Court orders central investigation

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has ordered a probe by the central government into the survey conducted by a US company in 54 cities, including Thiruvananthapuram, including questions that pose a threat to India's integrity. The survey was aimed at a religious group, without the knowledge or consent of the Centre or the states. Justice PP Kunhikrishnan observed that the investigation by the Kerala Police was not sufficient in the survey conducted in 2010.

The survey was conducted by Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) India Limited in Hyderabad for Washington-based Princeton Survey Research Associates (PSRA). The contract with TNS was signed by Dr Mary McIntosh, president of the U.S. company.

The survey conducted at Attakulangara Friends Nagar in Thiruvananthapuram on October 2, 2010, had led to a clash. It was alleged that the questions in the survey booklet were hurting the believers of Islam. The Fort police had registered a case against TNS and its director Pradeep Saxena.

The Internal Security Investigation Team (ISIT), which took over the investigation, submitted the charge sheet to the Thiruvananthapuram Magistrate's Court. The case is under consideration of the court. The central probe was directed after disposing of the petition filed by TNS and the director seeking to quash it.

The survey, titled 'Green Wave 12', was conducted in 20 countries, including Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, besides India. The claim was that the survey was meant to know what the traditions and values of these countries are.

Affecting national security

• Allowing the survey without the permission of the Centre should be taken seriously. There should be a thorough investigation into the approval of surveys affecting national security.
• The high court also directed the police to hand over the investigation report to the Centre and the registry to send the order to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and External Affairs.