A/HRC/60/62
about the reasons why he had submitted reports to the United Nations and the objectives of
his human rights activities.
87.
According to information received by OHCHR, on 29 June 2024, Mr. Urikhimbam
was informed that CSD’s application for the renewal of its registration under the Foreign
Contribution (Regulation) Act of 2010 (FCRA) had been denied again and CSD’s bank
account had been frozen, with severe impacts on the organization’s staff and on the
beneficiaries of its humanitarian programs. Reportedly, despite several attempts to
communicate with the FCRA, CSD has not received a response.
88.
The situation of Mr. Henri Tiphagne, Executive Director of the Centre for
Promotion of Social Concerns (CPSC, also known as People’s Watch), has been included
in the reports of the Secretary-General89 since 2020 and, prior to that, in 2018. Allegedly, the
postponement and non-renewal of CPSC’s license under the Foreign Contribution
(Regulation) Act of 2010 (FCRA) was a reprisal for the organization’s human rights work,
including its continuous cooperation with the United Nations in the field of human rights
over the years.90 According to information received by OHCHR, between May 2024 and
January 2025, the case concerning the postponement and non-renewal of CPSC’s licence was
listed on seven occasions before the Delhi High Court. On 4 February 2025, the counsel for
CPSC was required to resubmit final arguments due to the retirement of the presiding judge.
On 24 March 2025, the case was listed for arguments, however an adjournment was requested
by the counsel for the Government of India. The following hearing was scheduled for 13 May
2025.
89.
On 29 July 2025, the Government responded to the note verbale sent in connection to
the present report affirming its firm belief that States bear the primary responsibility for
promoting and protecting human rights, and that global human rights challenges are best
addressed through greater cooperation with States. The Government regretted that the report
included again information on developments in the situations of Mr. Khurram Parvez and the
Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, Mr. Nobokishore Urikhimbam and the
Centre for Social Development and the Centre for Promotion of Social Concerns, without
considering the detailed replies previously provided and underlined that it replied in good
faith to ensure a constructive and cooperative two-way dialogue with the UN.
90.
The Government underlined that India is a democracy with a vibrant civil society who
plays a vital role and is well represented in the work of the UN. It stated further that civil
society and human rights defenders, cooperating or not with the UN, must abide by domestic
rules and procedures and referred to global networks of NGOs working to sabotage
independence and national sovereignty, especially of countries from the Global South. The
Government stated that India’s commitment to human rights originated from the
Constitution, which protects the right to life and liberty, noting that arbitrary arrest or
detention is not possible and that no detention can take place without the sanction of the court.
91.
Regarding Mr. Khurram Parvez, the Government referred to its previous responses of
2016, 2020, 2021 and 2023, stating that that law enforcement agencies had found him to be
involved in instigating and carrying out violent acts deemed prejudicial to public order in
Indian-Administered Kashmir since July 2016. The Government further indicated that his
preventive detention was based on cases registered under sections 151 and 107 of the Code
of Criminal Procedures. It also affirmed that Mr. Parvez had been provided with the necessary
medical care and that he had full access to legal assistance.
92.
The Government noted that the Foreign Contribution (regulation) Act of 2010
(FCRA) was enacted to regulate the acceptance and use of foreign funds by individuals and
association, ensuring they are not used for purposes contrary to India’s national interests. It
added that over 16,000 organizations registered under the Act continued to operate without
impediment. Regarding the Center for Social Development and the Center for Promotion of
89
A/HRC/39/41, para. 50, and Annex I, paras. 61–62; A/HRC/42/30, para. 58 and Annex II, para. 58;
A/HRC/48/28, Annex II para. 65; A/HRC/51/47, Annex II paras. 84–85.
90 IND 14/2018; OTH 27/2017.
61