May Affect Minority Institutions' Religious Freedom: Catholic Body On Foreign Funding Bill
Calling the move a "direct intrusion" into constitutionally protected spaces, the All India Catholic Union argued that the proposed amendments may conflict with Articles 25 and 26, which guarantee the right to freely practise religion and manage religious affairs without undue interference.
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Raising strong objections to the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, the All India Catholic Union (AICU) has urged the Union government to withdraw the legislation entirely, cautioning that it could adversely affect religious freedom and the functioning of minority institutions.
Introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, the bill seeks to tighten regulations governing the receipt and utilisation of foreign funds by individuals, NGOs, and other entities. While the government maintains that the move is aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability, the AICU believes certain provisions could have far-reaching consequences.
In a detailed statement, the organisation expressed particular concern over clauses that empower authorities to assume control over, or even dispose of, the assets of organisations whose FCRA licences are either suspended or cancelled.
According to the AICU, such provisions risk setting a troubling precedent and could open the door to administrative overreach.
Calling the move a "direct intrusion" into constitutionally protected spaces, the AICU argued that the proposed amendments may conflict with Articles 25 and 26, which guarantee the right to freely practise religion and manage religious affairs without undue interference.
The Union further stressed that the Christian community is seeking clarity and reassurance, not incremental changes. "A partial rollback or temporary pause will not resolve the deeper concerns. What is required is a complete reconsideration of the bill," the statement noted, while also urging the Centre to clearly state that Church-run institutions will remain autonomous.
Beyond the legislative provisions, the AICU also flagged what it described as a worrying trend in the enforcement of FCRA regulations over the past decade. It alleged that organisations engaged in education, healthcare, and grassroots social work have faced disproportionate scrutiny, affecting their ability to operate effectively.
Emphasising that the matter goes beyond policy debate, the AICU stated that the issue touches upon fundamental rights and social harmony. It called on the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders rather than pushing forward with the legislation in its current form.
Among its key demands, the organisation has sought a complete withdrawal of the bill, an independent and transparent review of FCRA-related actions since 2014, and concrete institutional measures to address violence and hate speech against minority communities.
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All India Catholic Union, Minority Institutions, FCRA