In Brief
This case concerns the rights of a civil society organization, INSAF, to receive foreign contributions under Indian law. INSAF, working on issues like democracy and anti-communalism, challenged rules under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 that restricted its funding. The Supreme Court held that while organizations cannot directly invoke citizens' constitutional rights, courts can interpret statutes narrowly (reading down) to prevent unconstitutionality. Only organizations actively involved in party politics fall under the funding restrictions; apolitical NGOs do not. The Court emphasized that strict procedural safeguards must be followed before denying any organization foreign contribution rights.
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