New Delhi, Nov 13: The Ban on Zakir Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation will remain in force for another five years after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) renewed the unlawful association status of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), led by the controversial preacher.
The Centre originally imposed the ban on the organisation on November 15, 2021, invoking Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
In its latest order, the Home Ministry cited alleged activities by the foundation that it said could threaten India’s security, disturb public peace and weaken communal harmony. The government also expressed concern over the potential impact of the organisation’s activities on the country’s secular fabric.
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Zakir Naik Ban: Centre Cites Alleged Communal Activities
The MHA said the existing prohibition was set to expire on November 14, 2026. The extension has been issued under Section 6(1) of the UAPA, which deals with the duration of a declaration identifying an organisation as unlawful.
According to the ministry, the IRF and its members, including its founder and president, Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, allegedly encouraged followers to spread religious hostility and promote feelings of hatred or ill-will between different communities.
The government also accused Naik of making speeches and statements that it described as objectionable and subversive. The MHA claimed that his remarks encouraged hostility among religious groups and could influence young people in India and abroad towards terrorist activities.
Home Ministry Lists Reasons for Extending IRF Ban
The ministry further alleged that Naik used international satellite television, online platforms, print publications and social media to circulate radical messages to a large global audience.
The Centre warned that allowing the organisation to continue its alleged activities could enable it to regroup members who remain absconding and resume operations. It also expressed concern that such activities could encourage communal divisions, anti-national sentiments and separatist tendencies.
The MHA additionally referred to alleged support for militancy and activities that, according to the government, could undermine India’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
On these grounds, the Centre said continuing the unlawful association declaration against the Islamic Research Foundation was necessary to prevent further activities that it considers harmful to national interests.
The five-year extension therefore keeps the existing ban in place beyond its earlier expiry date.
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–IANS
