To extend ban on SIMI, centre seeks Delhi government’s opinion

The Union Government is awaiting a report from the Delhi government on whether the ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India should be extended or not. The AAP government would have to give its opinion on whether the five year ban should be extended or not.

The letter to the Delhi government states, "If its (SIMI) membership continues, then ipso facto a case of unlawful activity under the Act is made out. If this organisation an-d/or its members commit offences in furtherance of their aims and objectives, then the charge sheet would have to contain reference to such violations of the Act."

The government had declared SIMI as an unlawful association and banned it till January 31 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967. The Centre had also constituted a tribunal to adjudicate if there was enough cause to declare SIMI an unlawful association under the provisions of the Act.

On July 30 2014, the tribunal had confirmed the ban and extended the same till 2019. The Union Government in its communication to the Delhi chief secretary said that since the ban was coming to an end, it was for the government to find out if SIMI continued to indulge in unlawful activity. Once the report is submitted by the Delhi government the Ministry for Home Affairs would decide on whether a fresh ban should be imposed or not.