Kerala Catholic Bishops Council vs Government Of India

A.M. Badar, J.

Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners at sufficient length of time.

Perused the communication at Ext.P14 wherein it was informed by the public notice that the registration with the DARPAN Portal will be optional.

Also perused the public notice at Ext.P19 wherein it is stated that condition for obtaining the Darpan ID from DARPAN Portal of NITI Aayog of the

NGO/Association is necessary. By Clause (4) of that public notice, it is informed that the submission of annual returns can be done only up to 30th

June 2021.

The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner further drew my attention to the order passed by this Court dated 20.12.2018 in W.P.(C). Ns.

41185 & 40522 of 2018 (Ext.P13) and submitted that at present, the purpose of the petition can be served, if by way of interim order, the parties are

directed to consider the representations of the petitioner made at Exts.P20 and P21. It is further submitted that the institution run by the petitioner are

more than 100 years old and they are not having either registered trust deed or registration under the Societies Act. But those are registered under the

Foreign Contribution Regulation Act as well as the Income Tax Act.

In this view of the matter, issue notice before admission to the respondents. Learned ASGI takes notice for respondent Nos.1 to 5.

At the request of the learned ASGI, post the petition for further consideration, after ten weeks. In the meanwhile, considering the totality of

circumstances, the respondents shall consider the representations of the petitioners at Exts.P20 and P21 sympathetically.