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Politics
PCI to JPC: Centre cannot seize Church land in Meghalaya, repeal FCRA
✍️ Hub News
🗓 02 Nov 2026, 10:39 PM
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The PCI has submitted a report to the Joint Parliamentary Committee stating that the central government lacks the authority to seize church lands in Meghalaya and urging the repeal of the stringent FCRA amendments.
The Presbyterian Church in India (PCI) has formally submitted its observations to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). In its submission, the church body asserted that the central government does not possess the legal authority to seize lands belonging to churches in Meghalaya.
The PCI specifically highlighted the status of church properties in the state, arguing that these lands are protected and cannot be appropriated by the Centre. This stance challenges the broader narrative surrounding the regulation of foreign-funded religious institutions in the northeastern region.
Furthermore, the PCI has called for the repeal of the stringent amendments made to the FCRA. The organization argues that the current legal framework is overly restrictive and does not align with the constitutional protections afforded to religious bodies in India.
The JPC is currently examining these submissions as part of its broader inquiry into the implementation and impact of the FCRA amendments. The PCI's report adds a significant dimension to the ongoing debate regarding the balance between national security concerns and the rights of religious institutions.
The PCI specifically highlighted the status of church properties in the state, arguing that these lands are protected and cannot be appropriated by the Centre. This stance challenges the broader narrative surrounding the regulation of foreign-funded religious institutions in the northeastern region.
Furthermore, the PCI has called for the repeal of the stringent amendments made to the FCRA. The organization argues that the current legal framework is overly restrictive and does not align with the constitutional protections afforded to religious bodies in India.
The JPC is currently examining these submissions as part of its broader inquiry into the implementation and impact of the FCRA amendments. The PCI's report adds a significant dimension to the ongoing debate regarding the balance between national security concerns and the rights of religious institutions.