Centre extends ban on Zakir Naik-led IRF by five years

New Delhi: The home ministry on Friday extended the ban on the Zakir Naik-led Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) by five years, saying some of the organisation's activities were prejudicial to national security and had the potential to disturb peace and disrupt the country's secular fabric. The existing ban was due to expire on November 14. IRF was founded by Naik in February 1991 in Mumbai. Naik subsequently moved to Malaysia, where he was offered permanent residency.

Indian security agencies have accused Naik and the IRF of delivering inflammatory speeches and promoting religious enmity and hatred between communities. The ministry had declared the IRF an unlawful association on November 17, 2016 and banned it for five years. The ban was extended on November 15, 2021. "In exercise of the powers conferred by Sub-sections (1) and (3) of Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the central government hereby declares the Islamic Research Foundation as an unlawful association and directs that this notification shall, subject to any order that may be made under Section 4 of the said Act, have effect for a period of five years from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette," reads the notification.

As per the notification, the central government believes that "the IRF and its members, particularly Zakir Abdul Karim Naik alias Zakir Naik, have been encouraging and aiding its followers to promote or attempt to promote, on grounds of religion, disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious communities and groups which are prejudicial to the integrity and security of the country." On the reason for extension of the ban, the ministry said, "The statements and speeches made by Zakir Naik are objectionable and subversive." It also alleged that Naik has been inspiring youths of a particular religion in India and abroad to commit terrorist acts.


The ministry said Naik made radical statements and speeches to millions of people worldwide through international satellite TV networks, print and social media.