A formal complaint has been lodged with the Ministry of Home Affairs against two foreign-funded NGOs, ‘Archdiocese of Madras Mylapore’ and ‘Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council,’ for alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). The complaint accuses these organizations of promoting a particular political ideology, supporting political parties with similar ideologies, and engaging in anti-government propaganda.

The complaint highlights the alleged misuse of foreign funds received by these NGOs. The organizations in question are accused of using their publication, ‘The New Leader,’ to influence voters and propagate anti-government sentiments.

Who are these NGOs?

The Archdiocese of Madras Mylapore, registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, operates from Archbishop House, 41 Santhome High Road, Santhome, Chennai. It holds FCRA registration number 075900245. Similarly, the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council, registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975, operates from St Paul’s Seminary, Cantonment, Trichy, with FCRA registration number 076040254. Mr. George Antonysamy serves as the chief functionary of both organizations.

‘The New Leader,’ described as a National Catholic Fortnightly, is said to bring news about the Pope, the Vatican, and Christian churches globally and in India. It is registered with the Registrar of Newspapers in India (RNI Number 1023/1957). The complaint suggests that the Archdiocese of Madras Mylapore failed to submit necessary certificates to the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding its publication activities, a requirement under the FCRA Act.

What are the allegations?

The complaint alleges that these NGOs have been receiving substantial foreign funds ostensibly for social, religious, and educational activities. However, it claims that the funds are being misused for political purposes. The complaint cites the publication ‘The New Leader’ as a tool used by these NGOs to disseminate political ideologies and anti-government propaganda.

According to the complaint, George Antonysamy, in his capacity as Archbishop and President of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council, has used ‘The New Leader’ to influence voters during the recent Lok Sabha elections. An editorial titled “General Election 2024: Statement from Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council” is cited as an attempt to sway Christian voters against the ruling party. The complaint lists several statements from the editorial that accuse the government of undermining democratic principles, suppressing religious freedoms, and neglecting southern states in tax distribution:

• “..today’s Union Government is destroying this diversity and imposing the ideology of one religion, one language and one culture on us. And along with fascist ideologies of single party, single leadership, non-opposition India, it is overturning the very democratic philosophy of India.”
• Christians and Muslims are branded as anti-nationals and their fundamental rights such as the right to worship, places of worship and religious celebrations are under attack.
• The right to profess, worship and propagate one’s religion, as found in Article 25 of the Constitution of India prohibited, thus closing the avenues to know and proclaim Christ.
• We know that people like the late Reverend Stan Swamy were imprisoned on trumped-up/fabricated charges
• The government has tried to impose communal law on us in the name of common civil code
• The media, which is considered to be the fourth pillar of democracy, has gone to the clutches of the ruling union government
• The worst part is that in both Houses of Parliament, which are supposed to be the voice of the people, chaotic conditions are created by the ruling government and opposition members are thrown out; consequently, laws that deprive the people of their rights are blindly passed
• Southern states, including our state, continue to be neglected in tax distribution
• The government, which continues to deny the rights of Dalit Christians is working against social justice by giving 10 % reservation to upper castes
• We will analyze the signs of the times based on gospel values and support the parties that protect freedom, equality, fraternity, democracy, social justice and the welfare of minorities in this election.

The complaint argues that such statements are intended to create fear and division among voters, portraying democratic institutions in a negative light. It also criticizes the depiction of the late Stan Swamy’s imprisonment, highlighting his conviction under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for his role in the Bhima Koregaon violence.

The complainants urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to investigate the activities of the Archdiocese of Madras Mylapore and the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council and request a thorough inquiry into the misuse of FCRA funds and the political activities of these organizations.