New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has ruled that the Popular Front of India’s (PFI) plea challenging its proscription under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act is maintainable. The decision allows the organization to contest the legality of the ban imposed by the Central Government in 2022.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela delivered the ruling, directing the government to file its response to the petition. The court clarified that the maintainability order does not affect the ongoing ban but enables a full judicial review of the process and evidence used to justify it.
The PFI was declared an unlawful association on September 28, 2022, under Section 3 of the UAPA. The order, valid for five years, followed nationwide raids and allegations that the group was involved in activities deemed prejudicial to national security. A special UAPA Tribunal had earlier upheld the ban after reviewing classified evidence submitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
PFI’s legal team argued that the ban was politically motivated and lacked transparency. The maintainability ruling gives the group its first opportunity since 2022 to challenge the government’s decision in open court. The Centre’s reply is expected to determine the next phase of hearings.
The case is being closely watched by legal experts and civil rights groups as it raises broader questions about the use of UAPA against organizations and the scope of judicial oversight under national security laws.
