The Union Cabinet on Tuesday gave the go-ahead to declare the NGO run by controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik as an “unlawful association” which disturbed the social and communal harmony and placed it under a ban for five years with immediate effect.
Banning any organisation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) requires an approval by the Cabinet, and a Gazette notification will follow soon.
Four key points
The NGO, Islamic Research Foundation, was declared an “unlawful association” under the UAPA primarily on the basis of four key points: criminal cases against Dr. Naik, provocative speeches by the preacher, its dubious relationship with the banned Peace TV and transfer of money to the channel . “We relied on investigations done by Maharashtra Police and intelligence agencies. He has made many provocative speeches and propagated terror across the country,” said a senior Home Ministry official.
A tribunal will be set up where Dr. Naik can challenge the ban.
Banning any organisation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) requires an approval by the Cabinet, and a Gazette notification will follow soon.
Four key points
The NGO, Islamic Research Foundation, was declared an “unlawful association” under the UAPA primarily on the basis of four key points: criminal cases against Dr. Naik, provocative speeches by the preacher, its dubious relationship with the banned Peace TV and transfer of money to the channel . “We relied on investigations done by Maharashtra Police and intelligence agencies. He has made many provocative speeches and propagated terror across the country,” said a senior Home Ministry official.
A tribunal will be set up where Dr. Naik can challenge the ban.