Troubling bill: On the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government, seeks to further tighten regulations on civil society organizations. Prior to this, amendments in 2020 already restricted organizations from receiving funds from other registered bodies and limited the use of foreign funds for administrative expenses.

Now, the proposed Bill goes further by allowing the government to seize assets built with foreign funds if a certificate lapses, even without the organization's knowledge. This could result in a registered body losing its registration and forfeiting its assets, even if renewal is refused or not applied for. The Bill allows an appeal to a district judge, but only against the actions taken by the authority with the seized property.

Minority religious institutions, particularly Christian organizations, have expressed significant concern over the Bill. The Home Minister has assured churches that the Bill will not be retroactive, yet the text of the Bill contradicts this assurance. The Joint Parliamentary Committee overseeing the Bill has been tasked with redrafting it to include opportunities for organizations to be heard before renewal is refused, along with a right to appeal such refusals.