Centre constitutes tribunal to look into extending declaration of Sikhs For Justice as unlawful association

New Delhi [India], August 3 : The central government has constituted an Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal to look into whether there is sufficient cause for extending the declaration of banned pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) as an unlawful association under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, as per an MHA notification.
On July 8, the Ministry of Home Affairs extended the declaration of SFJ as an unlawful association for a further period of five years from July 10, 2024. Earlier, the MHA had issued a similar ban on SFJ in 2019.
The tribunal consisting of Delhi High Court Judge Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta will determine whether or not there is sufficient cause for extending the declaration of SFJ as an unlawful association.
The Ministry extended the ban on SFJ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, citing its involvement in "anti-national and subversive activities aimed at disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India."
According to the MHA notification, the SFJ was involved in activities that are prejudicial to the internal security of India and public order, including supporting violent extremism and militancy in Punjab and elsewhere to carve out a sovereign Khalistan from Indian territory.
The notification alleged that the SFJ is in close touch with militant outfits and activists, and has been encouraging and aiding secessionist activities, including attempts to destabilise the government established by law.