Section 46 FCRA 2010: Power of Central Government to Give Directions
Section 46 of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 gives the Central Government a general power to issue directions for carrying the provisions of the Act into execution.
Updated: 27 September 2026
Text and meaning of Section 46
In practical terms, Section 46 is an implementation provision. It enables the Central Government to issue directions where this is considered necessary for administering and enforcing the FCRA. The recipients of a direction may include another authority, an individual person, or a class of persons falling within the scope of the Act.
What does the power to give directions cover?
The power is linked to the purpose stated in Section 46 itself: carrying the provisions of the Act into execution. It should therefore be read with the substantive provisions of the FCRA, the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2011, amendments, notifications and other legally operative measures issued under the statutory framework.
Section 46 does not itself create a separate registration procedure, filing form, monetary penalty or offence. Instead, it provides an administrative mechanism through which the Central Government may give necessary directions in aid of implementation of the Act.
Who may receive a direction under Section 46?
The wording is broad. A direction may be addressed to:
- another authority;
- a particular person; or
- a class of persons.
The relevance of a direction in an individual case depends on its terms, the statutory provision being implemented, and any applicable rules, notifications or orders.
Section 46 and other FCRA powers
Section 46 should be distinguished from Section 47, which concerns delegation of powers, and Section 48, which empowers the Central Government to make rules. It is also separate from Section 50, which deals with exemption in certain cases.
Current FCRA framework
The FCRA, 2010 is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Users should read Section 46 with the current Act, the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2011 and subsequent amendments. The official FCRA portal maintains the operative Act and Rules materials, amendments, notifications, public notices and online services.