Zakir Naik. File photoNew Delhi: The central government Tuesday banned Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), the NGO run by controversial preacher Zakir Naik for five years with immediate effect, terming it an 'unlawful organization'.
The ban, enforced under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), was approved at a meeting of the Union cabinet.
Declaration of IRF as 'unlawful' under Section 3 of the UAPA will force closure of its offices and interests across the country.
FIRs have been filed against Naik and other IRF members under Section 153A and 153B of IPC in two police stations of Mumbai, 1 in Kerala and two in Sindhudurg.
As per the Cabinet note proposing action against IRF, Naik has been promoting enmity between religious groups and inspiring Muslim youth in India and abroad to commit terrorist acts, reports said.
