De Jasim Mohammad with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against Aligarh-based individual Dr Jasim Mohammad for allegedly establishing and operating an organisation named the “Centre for Narendra Modi Studies” without the requisite approval from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) or the Central government.
Officials confirmed on Monday that the case was filed following a reference from the PMO, which had received a complaint from an Aligarh-based advocate. The complainant alleged that the centre was using the Prime Minister’s name without authorisation and was soliciting funds under false pretences. Acting on the PMO’s reference, the CBI initiated a preliminary enquiry in April 2025 that led to the filing of a formal case earlier this month.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the “Centre for Narendra Modi Studies” was registered as a trust on January 25, 2021 under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. Investigators stated that the organisation was allegedly engaged in collecting money through “fake scholarships” and public appeals, projecting itself as a legitimate research body affiliated with the Prime Minister’s governance philosophy. The case invokes provisions of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, which prohibits the use of the names or emblems of government offices or public figures without official sanction.
As the alleged offence is non-cognisable, meaning it does not warrant immediate arrest or search without judicial permission, the CBI sought directions from the Special CBI Court in Delhi. The court, after reviewing the agency’s preliminary report, granted an order under Section 174 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, authorising a full-fledged investigation. The permission was issued on October 14, following which the FIR was formally registered.
The CBI’s sources told a media house that the inquiry would focus on the financial operations of the centre and any possible misuse of public trust. Statements from individuals who donated to or associated with the organisation are expected to be recorded in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the website of the organisation, operating under the name Centre for NaMo Studies (CNMS – NaMo Kendra), presented itself as an “independent global research centre” dedicated to the study of governance, national development, and India’s strategic growth. It claimed to bring together academics, policymakers, and social reformers to promote India’s emergence as a global power, engaging in fields such as public policy, human rights, international relations, and leadership.
A message from Dr Jasim Mohammad, published on the website, described the centre as a non-partisan academic initiative aimed at nurturing research and leadership in the context of “nation-building”. He portrayed CNMS as a platform for policy analysis, youth training, and academic dialogue rather than political advocacy. “We see ourselves as academic partners in India’s transformative journey,” the statement read.
Officials maintained that while individuals are free to launch research or educational initiatives, unauthorised use of the Prime Minister’s name in the title of an organisation violates statutory provisions designed to prevent reputational misuse.
