The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has declared the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), founded by Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, an unlawful association for another five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
According to a notification dated November 13, 2026, the ban will take effect from November 14 and remain in force for five years from its publication in the Official Gazette.
The Centre said the organisation had been involved in activities prejudicial to the country’s security and had the potential to disturb public peace, communal harmony and India’s secular fabric.
The notification noted that the government had previously declared the IRF an unlawful association in November 2016 and renewed the ban in November 2021. It also stated that the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal had confirmed the earlier declarations in orders issued in 2017 and 2022.
Centre cites Zakir Naik’s speeches
The government cited statements and speeches made by Naik, the IRF’s founder and president, as among the reasons for extending the ban.
According to the notification, the Centre considers his speeches and statements “objectionable and subversive”. It alleged that they promoted enmity and hatred between religious communities and could encourage young people in India and abroad to commit terrorist acts.
The notification also said Naik had addressed millions of people worldwide through international satellite television networks, the internet, print media and social media.
The Centre further alleged that, without immediate action, the organisation could continue its activities, reorganise members who were absconding, promote communal disharmony and anti-national sentiments, and support militancy and secessionism.
Ban extended under UAPA
Invoking Sections 3(1) and 3(3) of the UAPA, 1967, the Ministry declared the IRF an unlawful association with immediate effect.
The notification stated that the declaration would remain in force for five years, subject to any order that may be passed under Section 4 of the Act.
The latest order extends restrictions that have been in place against the organisation since 2016.
