Religious Leaders Seek Withdrawal of Proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, Meet Amit Shah

New Delhi, August 6, 2026: A delegation of religious leaders representing various Christian denominations and minority organisations met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday and urged the government to withdraw the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing concerns over its potential impact on charitable institutions and constitutional rights.

The delegation was led by P. Wilson, Member of Parliament and chairman of the Joint Action Forum on Minorities (JAFM). It included senior representatives of the Catholic Church, Church of South India, Church of North India, National Council of Churches in India, United Evangelical Lutheran Churches, Baptist and Mar Thoma churches, among others.

During the meeting, which lasted for more than an hour, the delegation submitted a detailed representation seeking withdrawal of the proposed legislation in its present form. Alternatively, it called for the Bill to be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for wider stakeholder consultation and examination of its constitutional, legal and practical implications.

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A key demand was the repeal of Section 15 of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, which the delegation said could result in the vesting of foreign contributions or charitable assets. It argued that no provision allowing the government to take over or vest charitable assets should remain in the law.

The delegation raised particular concerns over provisions relating to the automatic cessation of registration, vesting of charitable assets, government management of institutions and permanent transfer of assets.

According to the representation, such provisions could have significant implications for educational institutions, hospitals, orphanages, old-age homes, healthcare facilities and other charitable organisations serving vulnerable sections of society.

The religious leaders also argued that the proposed amendments raise constitutional questions concerning rights guaranteed under the Constitution. They maintained that transparency, accountability and safeguards against misuse of foreign contributions could be strengthened within the existing regulatory framework without provisions that enable the vesting or takeover of charitable assets.

The delegation told the Home Minister that its concerns reflected those of a wider cross-section of stakeholders across the country.

Shah heard the delegation's concerns regarding both the proposed amendments and the existing FCRA framework, particularly provisions relating to the vesting of properties and government intervention in the functioning of charitable organisations.

According to the JAFM, the Home Minister assured the delegation that he would examine the grievances and take a decision on the issues raised.

The delegation included Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi, Church of South India Moderator K. Reuben Mark, Jesus Calls founder Paul Dhinakaran, National Council of Churches in India General Secretary Asir Ebenezer, United Evangelical Lutheran Churches Executive Secretary Bishop Joshuva Peter, Church of North India Bishop Paul Noel Walker Swarup, CBCI Deputy Secretary General Mathew Koyickal and representatives of several other Christian denominations and organisations.

The delegation thanked Shah for allowing them to present their concerns and expressed hope that the issues raised would receive consideration before any legislative changes are finalised.

By Catholic Connect Reporter