Zakir Naik’s NGO IRF ban for five years, move the tribunal

TIL Desk/National/Mumbai/ Following the Centre`s ban on Zakir Naik`s NGO, the Islamic Research Foundation, for five years, the counsel of the controversial Islamist preacher, has asserted that it is an `illegal and unjustified` ban and added that they will move the tribunal against the order. Naik`s lawyer, Mubin Solkar told.

“So far, we have not been served with any such kind of notification under Section 3 of the UAPA. We are clear that this ban is not justified at all and is an illegal ban, because, the provision of the UAPA has been wrongly invoked in this case. According to us, it is a clear misuse of the provisions of UAPA.”

He further said that in order to declare an organisation as unlawful, it has to reveal, highlight and promote the offence under Section 153A, ie promoting enmity on grounds of religion which the Islamic Research Foundation has not done.

“The IRF since its inception has promoted peace and harmony, charitable, sociable and humanitarian activities. This ban is wholly unjustified. So, even if this notification is issued, it does not normally take effect unless it is confirmed by the tribunal,” he added.