Judicial Tribunals Uphold Ban on Two J-K Separatist Organizations

Two judicial tribunals, led by a Delhi High Court judge, have approved the government's decision to ban two pro-Pakistan groups based in Jammu and Kashmir. One of these groups is Syed Ali Shah Geelani's Tehreek-e-Hurriyat. The tribunal, headed by Justice Sachin Datta, confirmed the outlawing of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Jammu and Kashmir (TeH) under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) on June 22.

Confirmation of Ban on Tehreek-e-Hurriyat

The Union Home Ministry issued a notification stating that Tehreek-e-Hurriyat was declared an unlawful association by the Indian government on December 31, 2023. The central government formed the tribunal on January 16, 2024. The tribunal exercised its powers under sub-section 3 of section 4 of the UAPA to confirm this declaration on June 22, 2024.

Muslim League Jammu Kashmir Masarat Alam Faction

Another tribunal, also led by Justice Datta, confirmed the ban on the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir Masarat Alam faction (MLJK-MA). This group was declared unlawful on December 27, 2023. The central government established the tribunal on January 15, 2024. The tribunal confirmed this declaration on June 22, 2024, as per the notification.

The late separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani founded Tehreek-e-Hurriyat. The confirmation of its ban was part of a broader effort to curb activities deemed unlawful under the UAPA. Both notifications from the Home Ministry detailed these actions and their legal basis.

In summary, these decisions mark significant steps in addressing groups considered threats under national security laws. The tribunals' confirmations reinforce the government's stance against such organisations.