IRF cries foul over proposed ban under UAPA

Mubin Solkar, the lawyer of Islamic preacher and television evangelist Dr Zakir Naik, has said that if the central government bans his client’s NGO, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), such a move would be unwarranted, illegal and an abuse of the statute.

Mr Solkar, however, said he had not yet seen the police report or the note sent by the state government recommending the ban on IRF on grounds of it indulging in any alleged unlawful activities and so it would not be possible for him to respond to it.

Mr Solkar further said there were two types of bans that could be imposed on any organisation. However, for that the tribunal of a sitting high court judge is supposed to take a final call after giving a chance to the government as well as the affected organisation, he said.

He said that as per the law the organisation’s “object” should be to promote enmity between different groups. “IRF does not have as its object the promotion of communal disharmony or creating enmity between religious groups, much less committing terrorist activities. The provisions of the UAPA, therefore, cannot be invoked against IRF,” said Mr Solkar.

He further said, “None of the authentic statements or speeches of Dr Naik, if viewed in its entirety and proper context, can be termed objectionable or promoting enmity or hatred between religious groups. Dr Naik has never inspired or instigated any Muslim youth to commit terrorist acts.”