Asia Pacific
The Indian central government has extended the ban on the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), an organization led by Zakir Naik, for another five years.
New Delhi: The Indian central government has extended the ban on the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), an organization led by Zakir Naik, for another five years. The government has designated the organization as an “unlawful association”. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs issued an official notification to this effect on Friday.
Ban Extended Under UAPA
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the ban imposed on the Islamic Research Foundation under Section 6(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, is due to expire on November 14, 2026. On November 15, 2021, the central government had declared the IRF an unlawful association under Section 3(1) of the same Act. The government has now extended the ban for a further five years.
National Security and Communal Harmony Cited
The notification issued on Friday outlines several reasons for extending the ban on the Islamic Research Foundation. It states that the central government considers it necessary to declare the organization an unlawful association with immediate effect in view of its activities. The Ministry of Home Affairs has accused the IRF of engaging in activities that pose a threat to national security and could undermine public order and communal harmony. Speeches delivered by Zakir Naik have also been cited as a key basis for the decision. The notification alleges that Naik has been promoting enmity and hatred among different religious communities. It further claims that he has encouraged young people belonging to a particular religion in India and abroad to participate in terrorist activities. According to the notification, Naik has also delivered extremist statements and speeches to millions of people worldwide through international satellite television networks, the internet, print media and social media.
Ministry of Home Affairs Issues Official Statement
In its statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that, exercising the powers conferred under Sections 3(1) and 3(3) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the central government had declared the Islamic Research Foundation an unlawful association. The statement added that the notification would be subject to any order issued under Section 4 of the Act and would remain in force for five years from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
