India, Aug. 11 -- While the Govt is justified in preventing the misuse of foreign contributions, the Opposition's concerns cannot be summarily dismissed

When Parliament takes up the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 on August 12, it will bring to a head one of the most contentious bills in recent times. Introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, it has produced a rare alignment of opposition parties, church bodies, a Northeastern Chief Minister and members of the US Congress, all asking the government to pause.

At its core, the Bill empowers a new "Designated Authority" to take over, manage and eventually dispose of the assets of any organisation whose FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered or allowed to lapse. S...