Continuation of multiple injustices; authoritarian powers: Churches to raise FCRA concerns with Modi

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 to a parliamentary panel, a day before it is scheduled for passage in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The appeal comes amid intensifying opposition from political parties and civil society over provisions enabling government control over assets linked to foreign funding.

In a memorandum shared with MPs, the CBCI flagged concerns over constitutional safeguards, including the right to property under Article 300(A) and protections under Articles 25 and 26. It warned that permitting asset takeover without prior judicial scrutiny departs from due process and could disproportionately affect charitable, educational and faith-based institutions. The body also cited lack of transparency in licence renewals, and called for safeguards, judicial oversight and an independent appellate authority.

The proposed law empowers the Centre to appoint an authority to manage assets of organisations whose FCRA licences are cancelled or surrendered, including those partly funded through foreign contributions. While the government has defended the Bill as targeting misuse of foreign funds, critics have termed it draconian. Congress leader K C Venugopal said it could harm NGOs, particularly those run by minority communities, as the legislation heads for consideration on Wednesday.

Churches escalate objections, flag operational impact

Christian churches have sharpened their opposition, calling the move a continuation of multiple injustices. They said robust systems already exist for donors and the Union government to ensure funds are used for stated purposes, adding they do not object to tighter compliance. Their concern centres on provisions allowing licences to be cancelled or not renewed on trivial grounds.

Under the proposed changes, a government-appointed authority could take over assets. Even where an FCRA licence is surrendered after its purpose is fulfilled, assets generated through it could be vested with the authority. Stakeholders also pointed to operational constraints following the 2020 amendment, which bars transfer of funds and requires services to be delivered directly, limiting earlier models that relied on local collectives.

The Kerala Latin Catholic Bishops’ Council has demanded withdrawal of provisions it terms unconstitutional. Latin Church spokesperson Fr. Jiju George Arakkathara said the clauses could intimidate and deter those in the voluntary sector, while Catholic church mouthpiece Deepika alleged the Bill is another instrument for targeting minorities.

Coordinated outreach, leaders flag “serious concern”

The CBCI has set up an eight-member coordination committee, including representatives of other religious organisations and legal experts, with representation from all faiths, said CBCI Legal Cell Secretary Adv. C. Sayujya. The body plans to approach MPs to oppose the Bill and seek consultations with Union government representatives, and has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi next month.

In its memorandum to Amit Shah, the CBCI reiterated the need for safeguards for institutional autonomy and judicial oversight. Faith leaders said Church-run initiatives serve all sections of society, framing the issue as broader than a single community, and clarified that opposition to the Bill is not opposition to the government.

Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos said the Bill raises “serious concern” and requires reconsideration, as it confers “authoritarian” powers. He warned the new law could weaken institutions that have contributed to the country. Syro-Malabar Church Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil said proposed changes should not impede the operational freedom of transparent voluntary and educational institutions, adding regulations should not undermine lawful organisations and charitable work.