DHC Reserves Order On Plea Of CPR Seeking Permission For Utilising Funds In Bank Account

The Delhi High court on Wednesday reserved order on an application of Centre for Policy Research seeking utilization of funds lying in the bank account frozen by the Centre.

Justice Subramonium Prasad reserved order on a plea after hearing the submissions of parties. He stated that the order will be pronounced on Monday.

The High court heard a plea moved by CPR challenging the suspension of its Foreign Contribution Regulation Act Licence on 27th February 2023. Its application was filed in March and it is pending for the last 6 months. Central government has initiated an inquiry.

Earlier, the High court directed the central government to decide the application moved by Centre for the Policy Research by September 5.

Also, it directed the counsel to bring the file of proceeding against CPR to know the nature of the inquiry conducted by the government. The court also issued notice on the application seeking interim stay on suspension of FCRA license.

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

Furthermore, he submitted that due to non-payment of salaries for the last 6 months, 80% of scientists and employees have left the organization.

The senior advocate submitted, “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.”

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 notice to the government.