Tough on SIMI: Can’t allow organizations seeking Islamic rule in India, Center tells Supreme Court
Supreme Court SIMI Ban: The Center in its affidavit alleged, “The object of SIMI is contrary to the laws of the country as the purpose of the organization is to mobilize students and youth in the propagation of Islam and to garner support for ‘Jihad’.”
New Delhi. The Central Government has filed a counter affidavit in the Supreme Court justifying its eighth consecutive ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). Along with this, the Center declared SIMI as an ‘unlawful organization’. The Center told the Supreme Court that ‘any organization whose objective is to establish Islamic rule in India cannot be allowed to exist’. The Center further said, they should not be allowed to continue in our secular society.
The Center has filed an affidavit related to the petition challenging the ban on SIMI. The affidavit was considered by a bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul on Wednesday. A former SIMI member has filed a petition challenging the 2019 ban order of a tribunal set up under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
In its affidavit, the Center alleged, “The objectives of SIMI are contrary to the laws of the country as the objective of the organization is to mobilize students and youth in the propagation of Islam and garner support for ‘Jihad’.” The Center emphasized that despite being banned for several years, SIMI continued to indulge in illegal activities through various front organizations, therefore, a fresh ban was issued.
The Center in its affidavit said, “Except for a short period of time, despite being banned since September 27, 2001, SIMI workers are meeting, conspiring, arms and ammunition.” are achieving, and are indulging in activities that are disruptive and may endanger the sovereignty of India and the territorial integrity of India.’
The Center said that SIMI workers are in regular touch with SIMI associates and mentors based in other countries and their actions are capable of disrupting peace and communal harmony in the country. The Center said, ‘The declared objectives of SIMI are contrary to the laws of our country. Especially their objective of establishing Islamic rule in India cannot be allowed to survive under any circumstances.
Stating that SIMI has continued to exist despite instructions since 2001, the government pointed out that SIMI was carrying out its illegal activities through more than three dozen front organizations and that is why in 2019 SIMI was banned for five years. The restraining order was necessary. They were regrouped in many states under different names. The Center said, “SIMI is being continued through more than three dozen other front organizations.” These front organizations help SIMI in various activities, including fund collection, dissemination of literature, cadre restructuring, etc.
Describing SIMI as an ‘unlawful organization’, the Center appealed to the Supreme Court to dismiss the petition challenging its decision to ban the group. Significantly, on September 27, 2001, the then National Democratic Alliance government at the Center announced a ban on the Student Islamic Movement of India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, for its ‘anti-national and destabilizing activities’. It was
