Religious conversion groups ineligible for foreign funds: Madras HC

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has rejected an appeal by a charitable trust seeking registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), establishing that organisations involved in religious conversion work are ineligible for such status.

In its ruling, the court articulated that organisations permitted to receive foreign contributions must demonstrate that their activities do not undermine the nation's secular constitutional framework. The bench emphasised that FCRA registration serves as a regulatory mechanism to ensure that foreign funds are utilised in ways consistent with India's national interests and secular principles.

The court's decision reflects judicial scrutiny of how international donations are deployed within India, particularly concerning activities that may influence religious practices or affiliations. The ruling reinforces existing regulatory parameters around foreign funding while establishing clearer boundaries regarding eligibility criteria for charitable organisations.

This judgment adds to the growing body of judicial interpretation surrounding FCRA provisions and their application to various categories of organisations seeking permission to receive funds from abroad. The decision is likely to impact numerous organisations operating in the religious and faith-based sectors across the country.