Supreme Court Dismissed PFI's Plea Against UAPA Tribunal's Ban Order
The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the plea of Popular Front of India (PFI) challenging an order of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) tribunal confirming the five-year ban imposed on it by the Central government. The apex court has granted its liberty to approach the High Court.
The bench consisting of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Bela M Trivedi remarked that the organisation should approach the concerned High Court first. Senior Advocate Shyam Divan who appeared for the PFI agreed with the same, reports Bar and Bench.
The Tribunal, presided by Delhi High Court judge Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma upheld the Central governments decision to impose a five-year ban on PFI and seven other associated organizations.
On September 28, 2022, the Central government banned PFI for five years for “unlawful activities” under Section 3 of the UAPA. The UAPA provides that no such act will come into effect unless it is confirmed by the UAPA Tribunal by an order passed under Section 4 of the Act. Central in 2022 had notified the appointment of Justice Sharma as the presiding officer of the UAPA Tribunal to review the ban.
The PFI was banned for five years alleging its link with global terrorist organisations and for trying to spread communal hatred in the country. Over 100 PFI cadres were arrested by National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), state agencies and other police forces during the raids which was carried out throughout the country.
As per the notification of the Ministry of Home Affairs, it is said that some of the PFI”s founding members are the leaders of the Student Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), and alleged that PFI has linkages with Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). While SIMI and JMB are banned organisations in India.
The other eight organisations banned along with PFI are- Rehab India Foundation (RIF), Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organisation (NCHRO), National Women”s Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala.
