Centre extends ban on Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation for five years
The Ministry of Home Affairs declared the organisation an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday extended the ban on the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) for another five years. According to the Hindustan Times, the extension was issued under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) because the outfit remains involved in activities prejudicial to national security and communal harmony.
The ministry stated that the IRF and its founder-president, Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, have continued to encourage followers to promote enmity, hatred, and ill-will between different religious communities. A notification signed by MHA joint secretary Rakesh Rathi said Naik's speeches are objectionable and subversive, noting that he has made radical statements to millions worldwide.
The government alleged that Naik has inspired youths in India and abroad to commit terrorist acts. The ministry warned that if activities are not controlled, the IRF could reorganise absconding activists, disrupt the country's secular fabric, and escalate secessionism by supporting militancy.
The IRF was first banned in November 2016 after Naik fled India in 2016. The ban was renewed in 2021, and this Friday's order comes a day before the existing ban was due to expire on November 14.
Naik is currently a permanent resident of Malaysia. India has requested his extradition to face charges of money laundering and incitement to extremism. He recently visited Pakistan in October 2024 and February 2025.