Modi government extends ban on International Islamic Scholar Zakir Naik’s IRF for another five years

The Indian Union Home Ministry has extended the ban on the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), founded by Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik, declaring it an “unlawful association” for another five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
According to a notification issued on November 13, 2026, the ban will come into effect on November 14 and remain in force for five years from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
The Modi government has claimed that the organisation was involved in activities detrimental to the country’s security. Such activities could threaten public order, communal harmony and India’s secular framework, it said.
The notification stated that the government had first declared the IRF an unlawful association in November 2016 and renewed the ban in November 2021. Subsequently, in 2017 and 2022, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal upheld the government’s previous declarations.
The Muslim-hostile BJP government cited various statements and speeches by Dr Zakir Naik, founder and president of the IRF, as one of the key reasons for extending the ban.
According to the notification, the Indian government considers the speeches and statements of Dr Zakir Naik, a prominent scholar of comparative religion, “objectionable and destructive”. It alleged that his remarks promote enmity and hatred among different religious communities and could encourage young people in India and abroad to engage in terrorist activities.
It further stated that Dr Zakir Naik had used international satellite television networks, the internet, print media and social media to reach millions of people worldwide with his messages.
The Modi government also alleged that without immediate action, the organisation could continue its activities, regroup its absconding members, incite communal unrest and anti-national sentiments, and support militancy and separatism.
Invoking Sections 3(1) and 3(3) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the Indian Home Ministry has declared the IRF an unlawful association with immediate effect.
The notification stated that the declaration would remain in force for another five years unless a subsequent order was issued under Section 4 of the Act. The latest order further extends the restrictions imposed on the organisation since 2016.