Ban on SIMI upheld by UAP Tribunal.

published on August 2, 2014

The central government’s plea for extension of ban placed on outlawed terror group SIMI (Student’s Islamic Movement of India) has been approved by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal. The ban has been extended for a period of five years. The affidavit filed by the government states clearly that the SIMI has been found to be involved in 21 cases of terror strikes, till date. The ban has been imposed for the seventh time.

The one man Tribunal, headed by Justice Suresh Kait, of Delhi High Court – confirmed the Centre’s notification of Feb 6, seeking a ban on SIMI for five years. The affidavit said that “the outfit would reorganise and “disrupt the secular fabric” of the country if not curbed at this stage.”

The Centre has sought the setting up of a separate tribunal against SIMI members. Trial against those who have been arrested merely on suspicion is also being sought to be speedened up.

The SIMI was declared an unlawful association for the first time in September 2001. Since then, the ban has been extended every two years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.