Centre Extends Ban on Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation for Five More Years

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday extended the ban on the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), headed by controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, declaring it an unlawful association for another five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The Centre had first declared the IRF an unlawful association on November 15, 2021, under Section 3(1) of the UAPA, 1967. The existing ban was due to expire on November 14, 2026.

In its latest order, the Home Ministry said the organisation and its members had allegedly engaged in activities prejudicial to India's security, with the potential to disturb public peace, communal harmony and the country's secular fabric.

According to the ministry, the IRF, along with its founder and president, Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, had been encouraging and assisting followers in promoting religious disharmony and feelings of enmity, hatred and ill-will between different communities.

The government cited what it described as objectionable and subversive speeches and statements made by Naik as among the grounds for continuing the ban.

The MHA alleged that his speeches had promoted hostility between religious groups and influenced young people in India and abroad towards terrorist activities.

The ministry further claimed that Naik had disseminated radical statements to millions of people worldwide through international satellite television networks, the internet, print publications and social media platforms.

In its order, the Centre warned that allowing the organisation to continue its alleged activities could enable it to reorganise members who remain absconding, spread communal disharmony and promote anti-national sentiments.

The government also expressed concerns that such activities could encourage secessionism through support for militancy and undermine India's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.

The Home Ministry maintained that extending the organisation's designation as an unlawful association was necessary to prevent these alleged activities and protect the country's security and communal harmony.

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