The government circular asking departments not to accept or acknowledge any communication from third parties or organisations on behalf of individuals has upset activists, who say this is a blatant attempt to silence their voice. The circular was first issued in 1958 and has been revived days after the government was shown in bad light during the recent Aarey protests.

The circular, dated October 14, says any individual having a grievance should approach concerned departments directly, without involving any third party individual or organisation. "Third party individuals/organisations are writing letters and are also doing follow-up on behalf of aggrieved persons on issues they are not connected with. Many government departments have sought clarity on whether to take cognisance of such letters or not," said the circular issued to 28 government departments.