New Delhi, November 14: The Central Government has extended the ban on the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), founded by controversial Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik, for another five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification on November 13, declaring the organisation an unlawful association with immediate effect. The extension comes just ahead of the expiry of the existing ban on November 14, 2026.
According to the government notification, the decision was taken over concerns regarding national security, communal harmony and activities allegedly prejudicial to India’s sovereignty and integrity.
The Ministry alleged that Zakir Naik’s speeches and statements promoted enmity and hatred between different religious communities and could inspire terrorist activities. It also expressed concerns that the organisation could regroup absconding members, promote separatist activities and disturb communal harmony if restrictions were lifted.
The IRF was first banned in November 2016 for five years, with the restriction subsequently extended in November 2021. Both earlier declarations were upheld by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal.
The latest ban will remain in force for another five years from the date of publication in the Official Gazette, subject to any order passed under Section 4 of the UAPA.
