Supreme Court Upholds Tribunal’s Ban on SIMI as Unlawful Association

By A Staff Reporter

The Supreme Court of India on Monday dismissed a petition challenging the February 2024 order of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal, which had affirmed the Centre’s declaration of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) as an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

A two-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta declined to entertain the plea, raising concerns over the locus standi of the petitioner. The court noted that the petitioner had no direct connection to the matter and hence lacked the standing to challenge the tribunal’s decision.

The Unlawful Activities Tribunal, in its February 2024 order, had confirmed the Ministry of Home Affairs' notification banning SIMI for its alleged involvement in activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India. The tribunal found sufficient material to justify the continuation of the ban imposed on the organisation.