“We will also apply for a stay of execution again, which means Hindraf will be able to operate. Right up to the Federal Court, we will do this,” its office-bearer, former minister P Waytha Moorthy, told FMT.

Waytha said the stay of execution was necessary as Hindraf has filed a separate legal challenge seeking a declaration that Section 13 of the Societies Act 1966 is unconstitutional.

“If the Federal Court gives judgment in our favour, i.e. that Section 13 is unlawful, then of course, all these deregistrations don’t apply anymore,” he said.

On Dec 22, 2020, Hindraf, through Waytha, filed an application seeking leave to challenge the validity of two decisions related to the deregistration of the organisation.

The first decision under review involved the deregistration of the rights group on Sept 30, 2019 by the RoS director-general.

The second decision challenged was the home minister’s rejection of the group’s appeal, made on Aug 7, 2020.

Hindraf sought a declaration that both decisions were illegal, null and void.

On Feb 22, 2021, leave was obtained from the court to commence the action.