What happened: Lok Sabha refers the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 to a JPC
The Lok Sabha adopted a motion to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The motion was moved by the Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai. The Lok Sabha adopted the motion despite protests and disruption in the House, and the referral aimed to give more time for scrutiny of contentious provisions.
Background and earlier position: protests since March and a Monsoon Session deadline
Opposition parties protested the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 starting from its introduction in the Lok Sabha on March 25. The Bill was originally listed for passage in the Monsoon Session ending August 13.
Opposition members also pressed for discussion on police action against protesters dated July 20.
What changed now: social-media pressure and Home Minister meetings from July to August
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