John Brittas Writes to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Seeks Withdrawal of FCRA Rule Amendments

New Delhi: CPI(M) Rajya Sabha leader Dr John Brittas MP has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding the withdrawal of recent amendments to the FCRA rules. Brittas criticised the changes as the government's most far-reaching intrusion into the functioning of voluntary organisations, alleging that the amendments seek to curtail organisational autonomy and impose stringent controls.

He pointed out that the controversial notifications contain an undefined provision on "religious conversion propaganda," which leaves room for officials to interpret and potentially misuse the clause arbitrarily. The requirement that organisations submit their websites, publications, social media accounts and official communications, he said, risks violating both privacy and operational freedom. The provision requiring organisations to function strictly within objectives predetermined by the government, he added, undermines their freedom to operate independently.

He also flagged serious ambiguity in the expanded definition of "key functionaries." Brittas argued in his letter that the new amendments undermine Article 14, which guarantees equality; Article 19(1)(c), which guarantees the right to form associations; Articles 25 and 26, which guarantee religious freedom; and Articles 29 and 30, which protect minority rights. He called on the central government to undertake comprehensive consultations involving voluntary organisations, legal experts and scholars who are experts in constitution before proceeding further.