By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, April 1, 2026: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India urged Parliament and the Home Minister to reconsider the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, warning it could undermine charities and disrupt vital services.
In a March 31 memorandum to Members of Parliament and Home Minister Amit Shah, the CBCI said the bill “raises serious concerns about constitutional balance, civil society freedom, and the future of charitable service in India.”
The memorandum was signed by CBCI Secretary General Archbishop Anil J. T. Couto of Delhi.
The next day, the federal government, following protests from opposition parties and various Church groups, has for now put the bill on hold.
National media also reported that the FCRA amendment was not advanced for fear of alienating Kerala’s Christian voters ahead of the state’s April 9 polls.
The bishops in their memorandum cautioned that the new provisions would allow foreign funds and assets to “vest provisionally in the designated authority” whenever registration is cancelled, surrendered, or deemed to have ceased.
The CBCI emphasized that such measures could penalize organizations unfairly. “Ensure that administrative lapses do not lead to disproportionate penalties such as asset seizure,” the memorandum urged.
It also called on MPs to “Seek referral of the Bill to a Parliamentary Standing Committee for wider consultation” and to “Introduce clear safeguards to uphold due process and judicial oversight.”
The bishops highlighted constitutional concerns, noting that the vesting provisions “raise concerns under Article 300A of the Constitution of India, which protects the right to property.”
They also warned that expanding liability to “all ‘key functionaries,’ including trustees and office bearers, introduces a presumption of culpability unless proven otherwise.”
Faith-based organizations, the CBCI said, have historically contributed to nation-building through schools, hospitals, and social outreach.
The memorandum stressed that “the lack of safeguards for charitable and educational institutions—while limited protection is extended to places of worship—may result in undue interference in the internal management and service mission of these organizations.”
The bishops underscored the human impact of the proposed changes. “It must be emphasized that when charitable institutions are constrained, the greatest impact is borne not by organizations but by the millions of beneficiaries who depend on them,” the memorandum stated.
To safeguard civil society, the CBCI urged lawmakers to “Protect the autonomy of charitable, educational, and faith-based institutions” and to establish “an independent appellate authority” to ensure impartial adjudication.
The memorandum concluded that regulation is necessary, but “it must not become excessive control or result in unintended expropriation.”
This legislation was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on March 26. Parliament was expected to take up discussion of the amendment bill in the coming weeks.
Earlier, the CBCI criticized the proposed amendment, warning it is “dangerous and alarming in its implications” and could be misused by authorities.