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FCRA: Weaponising Regulations to Silence Critics and Stifle Dissent

FCRA is increasingly used to stifle dissent in India, as seen in the government’s selective cancellation of registrations for NGOs like the Centre for Financial Accountability and think tanks like the Centre for Policy Research.

By Neeraj Thakur
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FCRA: Weaponising Regulations to Silence Critics and Stifle Dissent

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FCRA: Balancing National Security and Free Speech Amid Growing Intolerance

Over the past few years, the Indian government has increasingly demonstrated a disturbing intolerance toward organisations that dare to criticise its policies or actions. This intolerance isn't merely a matter of dismissive disregard; it manifests as a deliberate and often aggressive campaign of harassment aimed at silencing dissenting voices. Such organisations, which play a vital role in a healthy democracy by holding power to account, have found themselves in the crosshairs of a government seemingly unwilling to accept criticism. 

The current administration's approach to dissent not only undermines the democratic ideals of free speech and expression but also raises troubling questions about its commitment to transparency and accountability. The relentless pursuit of those who speak out against the government sends a chilling message to civil society: fall in line, or face the consequences. This vindictiveness is not just a political strategy; it is an alarming sign of a government that is insecure about its actions and afraid of scrutiny.

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The government’s hostility towards criticism is not just an abstract concern but is evidenced by several troubling instances in recent times. One such example is the revocation of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration of CACIM, the parent entity of the Centre for Financial Accountability (CFA), by the Ministry of Home Affairs on July 10. This move targets an organisation dedicated to critically examining the roles of national and internation

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