Delhi High Court Delays Central Government’s Response Deadline
The Delhi High Court has requested the Union of India to respond to a petition filed by the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) against the government’s decision to revoke its registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
Justice Chandra Dhari Singh, presiding over a single-judge Bench, instructed the Central government to furnish a concise response to the appeal and its accompanying application within a span of two weeks. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on April 25.
Central Government Standing Counsel (CGSC) Mukul Singh, representing the Union of India, acknowledged the notice.
CPR, a renowned think tank engaged in research on India’s contemporary challenges since 1973, is currently led by political scientist and former Principal of Lady Shri Ram College, Meenakshi Gopinath. Yamini Aiyar serves as its President and Chief Executive, while former foreign secretary Shyam Saran and Senior Advocate Shyam Divan are among its governing board members.
The government initially suspended CPR’s FCRA license in February 2023 for six months, which was later extended and ultimately cancelled in January 2024. FCRA registration is essential for organizations to receive foreign donations.
Additionally, the tax-exempt status of the think tank was revoked by the government, although the Delhi High Court intervened to halt income tax reassessment proceedings against CPR.
The Income Tax Department initiated reassessment proceedings after surveying CPR in September 2023, coinciding with the suspension of its FCRA license and loss of tax exemption.
Government authorities have accused CPR of misusing funds received during the Hasdeo movement against coal mining in Chhattisgarh forests, alleging that funds were diverted towards litigation and complaints instead of research.
CPR has vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that it is being targeted for exercising dissent.
Senior Advocate Arvind Datar, along with Advocates Shashwat Goel, Palak Vashisth, Isha Ray, and Gyanendra Singh, appeared on behalf of CPR.
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