Centre Extends Ban on Zakir Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation for Five More Years

The Central Government has extended the ban on Islamic preacher Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) for another five years, declaring the organisation an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

The decision was announced by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday, November 13, 2026, through an official notification. The extension comes just a day before the existing ban was scheduled to expire on November 14.

The IRF was founded by Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, popularly known as Zakir Naik. The organisation was first declared an unlawful association on November 17, 2016. The ban was subsequently extended on November 15, 2021.

Reasons Cited by the Government

According to the Home Ministry's notification, the government believes that the IRF and its members, particularly its founder and president, have encouraged followers to promote religious disharmony, enmity, hatred and ill-will between different religious communities.

The notification described Naik's statements and speeches as objectionable and subversive. It alleged that his speeches have promoted hatred among religious groups and inspired youths of a particular religion in India and abroad to commit terrorist acts.

The government also stated that Naik had delivered speeches and made statements to millions of people worldwide through international satellite television networks, the internet, print publications and social media.

Legal Background

The latest decision has been taken under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The government had previously declared the IRF an unlawful association in 2016, and the declaration was subsequently confirmed by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal.

The Home Ministry stated that extending the ban was necessary to prevent activities that it believes could threaten national security, communal harmony and the country's secular fabric.

The five-year extension will take effect from the date of publication of the latest notification in the Official Gazette, subject to any order under Section 4 of the Act.