FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 Introduced, Proposes 'Designated Authority' to Seize Assets of NGOs Losing Registration

Parliament Passes Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2026; JMFC for Delays Over 2 Years

Rajya Sabha passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by voice vote, making a Judicial Magistrate (First Class) order mandatory for birth and death registrations delayed beyond two years. This reform targets misuse like ghost voters and unauthorised registration of children born elsewhere. Aspirants must remember the two-year threshold and the shift from executive to judicial authorisation.

FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 Sent to 31-Member JPC; Report Due by Winter Session 2026

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, has been referred to a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) amid strong opposition protests. The bill proposes tighter government oversight over foreign funding of NGOs and a designated authority to manage assets of defunct organisations. The government denies it targets minorities, while the JPC must submit its report by the first week of the 2026 Winter Session.

Lok Sabha Passes Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 Criminalising Insult to Vande Mataram

The Lok Sabha has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which criminalises insult to the national song 'Vande Mataram'. The Bill, cleared amidst Opposition protests, extends the same level of legal protection to Vande Mataram as is currently given to the National Anthem.

FCRA Amendment Bill 2026: Govt to Drop Retrospective Clause, Likely Introduced August 12

The Centre has assured to drop the retrospective clause from the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, after concerns from Christian organisations. Mizoram CM Lalduhoma met Home Minister Amit Shah, who confirmed the clause will be removed, and the Bill is likely to be taken up in Lok Sabha on August 12.

Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2026: Judicial Magistrate Mandated for Delays Over 2 Years

The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2026, passed in Lok Sabha, tightens verification norms: delays beyond two years now require a judicial magistrate's order instead of an executive magistrate. This amendment aims to curb fraudulent birth certificates, which have become near-conclusive proof for Aadhaar, passports, voter IDs, and school admissions. The bill raises concerns over accessibility for legitimate citizens, especially in remote areas.

FCRA Amendment Bill 2026: Automatic Asset Seizure on Lapse of Registration Referred to JPC

The FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 proposes automatic takeover of all assets built with foreign funds if an organisation's registration lapses, is refused renewal, or is cancelled. This has alarmed minority religious institutions, leading to protests and referral to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. The bill lacks any provision for a hearing or appeal against renewal refusal, raising concerns over transparency and fairness.

President Murmu Assents to Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026; State Renamed Keralam via Article 3

President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, renaming the state as Keralam. The bill amends the First Schedule of the Constitution under Article 3, following a resolution by the Kerala Assembly in 2024. This is a key example of the constitutional process for state name changes.

FCRA Amendment Bill 2026: Designated Authority Can Vest Assets, Raises Proportionality Concerns

The FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 introduces a 'Designated Authority' to manage foreign contributions and assets when an NGO's registration is cancelled or lapses. While the state has a legitimate interest in regulating foreign funds, the Bill raises constitutional questions about the extent of executive control over civil society institutions and whether adequate safeguards exist against overreach. The Bill has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).