Following the Centre’s ban on Popular Front of India (PFI) and its associates for five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the state government has also declared PFI and its associates as “unlawful association” and delegated powers to the Commissioner of Police, the District Magistrates, and the Deputy Commissioners in the State to enforce the ban.
In an order, the state chief secretary, J Alam stated that the Central Government, in the exercise of powers conferred by section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), has declared the PFI and its associates or affiliates or fronts, including Rehab India Foundation (RIF), Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organisation (NCHRO), National Women’s Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerela as “unlawful association” vide notification dated September 28, 2022.
Citing the Centre’s notification directing the States and Union Territories to exercise powers under Section 7 & 8 of UAPA, the State Government has directed that the Commissioner of Police, the District Magistrates, and the Deputy Commissioners shall exercise the powers accordingly.
