SRINAGAR: The Centre on Friday extended the ban on the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), founded by Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, for another five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), citing concerns over national security and communal harmony.
In a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the government declared the organisation an unlawful association with immediate effect, extending the ban for five years from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
The extension comes ahead of the expiry of the existing ban on November 14, 2026.
The IRF was first banned in November 2016 under Section 3 of the UAPA. The declaration was subsequently confirmed by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal in May 2017. The ban was renewed in November 2021 and upheld by the tribunal in March 2022.
In its latest notification, the Centre said it was of the opinion that the organisation and its members, particularly its founder and president Naik, had been involved in activities prejudicial to the country’s security and capable of disturbing public peace and communal harmony.
The government alleged that Naik had made objectionable and subversive speeches and statements and promoted enmity and hatred among different religious communities.
It further alleged that his speeches had inspired youths in India and abroad to commit terrorist acts, while his statements had reached millions of people through satellite television, the internet, print media and social media.
The Centre also expressed apprehension that the organisation could continue its alleged subversive activities, reorganise its activists, promote communal disharmony, propagate anti-national sentiments and support militancy if its activities were not curbed.
Invoking Sections 3(1) and 3(3) of the UAPA, the government said the declaration would remain in force for five years, subject to any order passed under Section 4 of the Act.
