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Honoring the life and legacy of Father Stan, a prominent human rights activist who died while in custody of the Indian state on July 5, 2021, and encouraging India to pursue an independent investigation into his arrest, incarceration, and death.

USA119th CongressHRES-561| House 
| Updated: 6/27/2025
Juan Vargas

Juan Vargas

Democratic Representative

California

Cosponsors (1)
James P. McGovern (Democratic)

Foreign Affairs Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Father Stan, a Jesuit priest, dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of Adivasi , Dalit , and other marginalized communities in India. He worked tirelessly to protect their lands and homes from expropriation and ensure the implementation of constitutional provisions like the PESA Act and the Forest Rights Act of 2006 . Through institutions like the Indian Social Institute and Bagaicha, he trained young leaders and raised awareness about social justice and liberation theology. Father Stan was arrested in October 2020 by India's National Investigation Agency, despite being an octogenarian suffering from Parkinson's disease, and subsequently incarcerated in Taloja prison. He was repeatedly denied bail, even after contracting COVID-19, and his health deteriorated significantly before his death in custody on July 5, 2021. Forensic reports later revealed that over 50 incriminating files were allegedly planted on his computer by hackers, suggesting his arrest and charges were based on fabricated evidence. The resolution encourages the Indian government to pursue an independent investigation into Father Stan's arrest, incarceration, and death. It emphasizes that the mistreatment and incarceration of human rights advocates cannot be tolerated and calls for monitoring and supporting marginalized communities in India and worldwide. Furthermore, it expresses strong concern over the misuse of antiterror laws to target human rights defenders and urges India to permanently suspend its colonial-era sedition law, affirming freedom of expression as a fundamental human right.
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Bill from Previous Congress

HRES 117-1219
Honoring the life and legacy of Father Stan, a prominent human rights activist who died while in custody of the Indian state on July 5, 2021, and encouraging India to pursue an independent investigation into his arrest, incarceration, and death.

Bill from Previous Congress

HRES 118-1339
Honoring the life and legacy of Father Stan, a prominent human rights activist who died while in custody of the Indian state on July 5, 2021, and encouraging India to pursue an independent investigation into his arrest, incarceration, and death.
Jun 27, 2025
Submitted in House
Jun 27, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HRES 117-1219
    Honoring the life and legacy of Father Stan, a prominent human rights activist who died while in custody of the Indian state on July 5, 2021, and encouraging India to pursue an independent investigation into his arrest, incarceration, and death.


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HRES 118-1339
    Honoring the life and legacy of Father Stan, a prominent human rights activist who died while in custody of the Indian state on July 5, 2021, and encouraging India to pursue an independent investigation into his arrest, incarceration, and death.


  • June 27, 2025
    Submitted in House


  • June 27, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

International Affairs

Honoring the life and legacy of Father Stan, a prominent human rights activist who died while in custody of the Indian state on July 5, 2021, and encouraging India to pursue an independent investigation into his arrest, incarceration, and death.

USA119th CongressHRES-561| House 
| Updated: 6/27/2025
Father Stan, a Jesuit priest, dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of Adivasi , Dalit , and other marginalized communities in India. He worked tirelessly to protect their lands and homes from expropriation and ensure the implementation of constitutional provisions like the PESA Act and the Forest Rights Act of 2006 . Through institutions like the Indian Social Institute and Bagaicha, he trained young leaders and raised awareness about social justice and liberation theology. Father Stan was arrested in October 2020 by India's National Investigation Agency, despite being an octogenarian suffering from Parkinson's disease, and subsequently incarcerated in Taloja prison. He was repeatedly denied bail, even after contracting COVID-19, and his health deteriorated significantly before his death in custody on July 5, 2021. Forensic reports later revealed that over 50 incriminating files were allegedly planted on his computer by hackers, suggesting his arrest and charges were based on fabricated evidence. The resolution encourages the Indian government to pursue an independent investigation into Father Stan's arrest, incarceration, and death. It emphasizes that the mistreatment and incarceration of human rights advocates cannot be tolerated and calls for monitoring and supporting marginalized communities in India and worldwide. Furthermore, it expresses strong concern over the misuse of antiterror laws to target human rights defenders and urges India to permanently suspend its colonial-era sedition law, affirming freedom of expression as a fundamental human right.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HRES 117-1219
Honoring the life and legacy of Father Stan, a prominent human rights activist who died while in custody of the Indian state on July 5, 2021, and encouraging India to pursue an independent investigation into his arrest, incarceration, and death.

Bill from Previous Congress

HRES 118-1339
Honoring the life and legacy of Father Stan, a prominent human rights activist who died while in custody of the Indian state on July 5, 2021, and encouraging India to pursue an independent investigation into his arrest, incarceration, and death.
Jun 27, 2025
Submitted in House
Jun 27, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HRES 117-1219
    Honoring the life and legacy of Father Stan, a prominent human rights activist who died while in custody of the Indian state on July 5, 2021, and encouraging India to pursue an independent investigation into his arrest, incarceration, and death.


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HRES 118-1339
    Honoring the life and legacy of Father Stan, a prominent human rights activist who died while in custody of the Indian state on July 5, 2021, and encouraging India to pursue an independent investigation into his arrest, incarceration, and death.


  • June 27, 2025
    Submitted in House


  • June 27, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Juan Vargas

Juan Vargas

Democratic Representative

California

Cosponsors (1)
James P. McGovern (Democratic)

Foreign Affairs Committee

International Affairs

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted