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

The Ministry of Home Affairs has declared Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for another five years. This marks the third time authorities have extended the ban against the outfit, which was originally banned in 2016. According to the government notification, officials believe the group would otherwise continue subversive actions, re-organise absconding activists, disrupt the secular fabric through communal disharmony, propagate anti-national sentiments, support militancy, and harm national sovereignty if left unchecked.

Context

Bans under laws like the UAPA are typically reviewed periodically and extended when authorities determine that an organisation continues to pose a threat to public safety and national security. The founder, Zakir Naik, currently lives abroad and faces an ongoing probe by the National Investigation Agency related to alleged terror activities and the spread of communal hatred.