Judicial Tribunal Confirms 5-Year Ban on SIMI
Judicial Tribunal Upholds 5-Year Ban on SIMI
A judicial tribunal has confirmed the 5-year extension of the ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), citing the outfit’s continued objective of ‘Jehaad’ for the cause of Islam.
The tribunal, consisting of Delhi High Court judge Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, was constituted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The Centre had imposed the ban on SIMI on January 29, 2024, and the tribunal was set up on February 16 to adjudicate whether there was sufficient cause for declaring SIMI an outlawed organization.
On July 24, the tribunal confirmed the declaration of ban on SIMI, citing its continued work towards establishing Islamic rule in India.
The tribunal noted that SIMI’s objectives include ‘Jehaad’ for the cause of Islam, destruction of nationalism, and establishment of Islamic rule or Caliphate.
The government had earlier stated that SIMI has been involved in fomenting terrorism and disturbing peace and communal harmony in the country.
Ten state governments had recommended declaring SIMI an “unlawful association” under the UAPA, citing its subversive activities and re-organization of absconding activists.
The SIMI was first declared outlawed in 2001 and has since been periodically extended, with the home ministry stating that it continues to disrupt the secular fabric of the country by polluting minds and propagating anti-national sentiments.
