HC asks Centre to consider FCRA relief for Covid-19 aid

HC asks Centre to consider FCRA relief for Covid-19 aid

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:31.05.2021

Delhi High Court has asked the Centre to treat as a representation a PIL seeking to exempt foreign contributions or aid, such as oxygen concentrators and medicines received for Covid-19 management and treatment, from the ambit of Foreign Contribution (Regulations) Act (FCRA) 2010 during the pandemic.

If the representation is made, the government will take a decision in eight weeks, the court said. A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh directed the Centre to take a decision in accordance with the rules and the government policy applicable and as early as possible and practicable.

The court disposed of the plea by charitable organisation Shri Sai Kirpa Society, which manages a medical centre at Sai Akshardham in Greater Noida, with assistance from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and National Heart Institute. In its petition, filed through advocate Gaurav Gupta, the society said a person of Indian origin in the US had wanted to send oxygen concentrators and life-saving drugs for Covid patients. But accepting it without any relief will violate FCRA, it added.

Meanwhile, a plea to give priority in Covid vaccination to NRIs and students who have to go for studies abroad has been moved in Delhi High Court and may be heard on Monday.