Law Ministry May Ban Contentious Muslim Preacher Zakir Naik’s NGO

The government has put together a list of FIRs registered against Zakir Naik, especially the ones in 2005 and 2012.

File photo of controversial televangelist and Islamic preacher Zakir Naik. (Photo: The Quint)

Controversial televangelist Zakir Naik’s NGO, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), could be banned, the law ministry informed the government, reports the Hindustan Times.

Naik roused controversy when he was accused of influencing one of the attackers in the Dhaka terror attack through the sermons on his channel Peace TV.

“The law ministry’s opinion makes a clear case of banning the IRF by declaring it an unlawful organisation,” the Hindustan Times cites a senior ministry official as saying.

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To make its case stronger, the government has put together a list of FIRs registered against Naik, especially the ones in 2005 and 2012. Before presenting its opinion, the ministry considered these FIRs.

Under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the IRF – founded by Naik in 1991 – could be declared “unlawful”, the Home Ministry was also informed.

If the IRF is deemed “unlawful”, it would mean no person will be allowed to be a member of the foundation, hold meetings or collect funds in its name. A ban under UAPA is valid for five years.

(Source: Hindustan Times)

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