The Delhi High Court has sought the response of Centre on a plea by Oxfam India challenging the order refusing renewal of its license under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.

Justice Prathiba Singh while issuing notice on the plea by Oxfam directed the Centre to file counter affidavit within four weeks.

“Issue notice. Let the counter affidavit be filed within four weeks. Rejoinder, if any, be filed within four weeks thereafter.”, the Court directed.

The Court also directed that the reasons for non-renewal of the FCRA registration of the petitioner should be elaborated.

“In the counter affidavit, the reasons for non-renewal of the FCRA registration of the Petitioner shall be elaborated.”, the Court directed.

Senior Advocate Ramesh Singh appeared for the petitioner-Oxfam whereas Chetan Sharma, ASG with CGSC Apoorv Kurup appeared for Union of India.

The Court noted that the Petitioner-Oxfam had also sought permission to utilize its existing unutilized funds that were pledged/earmarked before the FCRA renewal became due and the registration was valid, for existing/ongoing public projects.

Senior Advocate Ramesh Singh, submitted that the Petitioner ought to be permitted to use the amount of Rs.21.39 crore which was received by it at the time when FCRA registration was valid, so that the same could be utilised for its social welfare activities.

The Court directed reply to be filed on this plea within four weeks.

“Let reply to this application be filed within four weeks. Rejoinder, if any, be filed within four weeks.”, the Court held while posting the matter to April 27, 2023 for further hearing.

Cause Title- Oxfam India v. Union of India

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Delhi High CourtJustice Prathiba M SinghFCRA

Ashish Shaji