Government probing Zakir Naik's NGOs for possible FCRA violations

NEW DELHI: As intelligence agencies see little chance of Salafist preacher Zakir Naik, facing the heat for his alleged pro-terror speeches, returning to India any time soon, the focus appears to have shifted to exploring a possible crackdown on his interests here.

Sources in the law enforcement agencies told TOI some legal issues were being sorted out before action could be initiated against his two NGOs, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and IRF Educational Trust, under the Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Act, 2010, given the 'blur' on whether "Islamic education" is covered under 'educational' or 'religious' purpose as defined under the law and the absence of an anti-conversion law in Maharashtra.

The home ministry is examining possible FCRA violations by IRF and IRF Educational Trust, both registered as "educational" NGOs under FCRA but reportedly receiving and utilising foreign funds for "religious and religion-linked" activities.

Sources said the legal position in this regard is being assessed. "Whether 'Islamic teaching' can be deemed an 'educational' or 'religious' activity appears to be a grey area. We have to be sure that 'teaching comparative religion' amounts to a religious activity, as only then would it constitute a valid ground for cancellation of FCRA licence of IRF and IRF Educational Trust," said an officer.

IRF Educational Trust manages the Islamic International School (IIS) in Mumbai.

Another key area being looked at by central agencies and Maharashtra government is whether the alleged involvement of IRF or its members in "forced" conversions, as borne out by investigations into a case registered by Kerala Police, makes the foundation liable for criminal action, given that the state is yet to enact a law against 'forced' conversions.

While Article 25 of the Constitution allows citizens freedom to profess and practice religion of their choice, it does not expressly deal with "forced" conversions. Though a private member's bill dealing with forced conversions was introduced in the Maharashtra assembly last year, it was never taken up.

Sources, however, indicated that the lack of an anti-conversion law in Maharashtra, where the IRF and IRF Educational Trust are registered, may not affect possible action against the converting entity if forcible nature of the conversion is established.