Delhi HC directs Centre to decide CPR plea seeking to utilise funds lying in bank account

New Delhi [India], August 29 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the Central government to decide on the application moved by the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) on September 5 seeking utilisation of funds lying in the bank account that have been frozen by the Centre.

The High Court is hearing a plea moved by CPR challenging the suspension of its Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) license on February 27, 2023. Its application was filed in March and it has been pending for the last six months.

Justice Subramonim Prasad directed the Centre to decide the application by September 5. He also directed the counsel to bring the file of proceedings against CPR to know the nature of the inquiry conducted by the government.

The court has also issued notice on the application seeking an interim stay on suspension of the FCRA license. The matter has been listed on September 6 for further hearing.

Senior advocate Arvind P Datar argued that due to FCRA license suspension, the operation of CPR has been stopped as it receives 70 per cent of its funds from overseas.

He further submitted that due to non-payment of salaries for the last six months, 80 per cent of scientists and employees have left the organisation.
“I am begging to release the salaries. You may not like any dissent in the country but what have those poor employees done? The Home Ministry cleared in its audit, CAG cleared me and then suddenly this happened. It is extremely sad if you are going to close down Indian think tanks like this. One small dissent and this is done. This is a pattern,” the Senior advocate submitted.

On the other hand, Counsel for the Central government submitted that proceedings have been initiated on the basis of material government has against the NGO. After hearing the submissions, the bench issued a notice to the government.