UAPA ban on Zakir Naik’s IRF extended for five years, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Union Home Ministry has extended the ban on Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), led by Zakir Naik, for another five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
• This marks the third such ban, with IRF first declared an "unlawful association" in 2016, followed by an extension in 2021.
• The government cited IRF's involvement in inciting communal hatred, fostering hostility, promoting terrorism, and disrupting India's secular fabric as reasons for the extension.
• Zakir Naik, who left India in 2016, holds permanent residency in Malaysia, and India's extradition requests have not been successful.
• India's attempt to issue a Red Corner Notice against Naik through Interpol has also not materialized.

Detailed Insights:

• The ban extension was issued via a notification on November 13, 2026, just before the previous five-year prohibition was set to expire on November 14, 2026.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that if IRF's activities are not curbed, it will continue subversive actions and re-organize its absconding activists.
• The notification was made under Section 3 (1)(3) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
• Malaysia has consistently declined India's extradition requests for Zakir Naik, citing its rights under Article 6 of the 2010 Extradition Treaty and the Extradition Act 1992.
• The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal had previously confirmed the declarations of IRF as an unlawful association in 2017 and 2022.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA): India's primary anti-terror law enacted in 1967, aimed at preventing unlawful activities and associations that threaten national sovereignty and integrity.
• Islamic Research Foundation (IRF): An organization founded by Zakir Naik, declared an "unlawful association" by the Indian government for alleged activities prejudicial to national security.
• Red Corner Notice: An international alert issued by Interpol at the request of a member country to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition or similar legal action.
• Unlawful Association: An organization declared illegal by the Central Government under UAPA for engaging in activities that support secession, challenge sovereignty, or cause disaffection against India.