UAPA Tribunal Upholds Ban On Sikh For Justice, Cites Links With Khalistani Groups

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) tribunal has upheld the central government’s decision to impose a five-year ban on the Gurpatwant Singh Pannu-led group, Sikh For Justice (SFJ), citing its involvement in terrorist activities.

The tribunal, headed by Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta of the Delhi High Court, agreed with the government’s findings and confirmed the organization’s links to extremist and anti-national activities.

UAPA Tribunal Backs Government’s Evidence

The UAPA tribunal found the evidence presented by the central government to be credible and accurate. The government had provided detailed proof of SFJ’s involvement in recruiting and radicalizing youth through social media and financing terrorism via smuggling networks to procure weapons and explosives.

It also has involvement in making threats against high-ranking officials, including the Prime Minister and Home Minister. Furthermore, SFJ’s attempts to incite rebellion among Sikhs serving in the Indian Army were also confirmed by the tribunal.

SFJ’s Links With Khalistani Groups

Justice Mendiratta highlighted SFJ’s connections to international Khalistani separatist and terrorist organizations, particularly Babbar Khalsa International. The tribunal also underscored SFJ’s links to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), noting the group’s attempts to revive militancy in Punjab. These findings were pivotal in justifying the ban, as the group’s activities were deemed to pose a serious threat to national security.

UAPA Extends Ban

The central government declared SFJ an unlawful organization for five years, effective from July 10, 2024. The Home Ministry, having extended the ban under the UAPA, pointed to SFJ’s continuous involvement in anti-national activities aimed at undermining India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to the notification issued by the Home Ministry, SFJ has been actively engaged in supporting violent extremism and militancy, particularly in Punjab, to create an independent Khalistan.

The Home Ministry further emphasized that SFJ’s activities have been detrimental to India’s internal security and public order. By supporting militant groups and extremist ideologies, SFJ has contributed to destabilizing the region and encouraging violent separatist movements.

The tribunal’s decision serves as a significant step in curbing such forces and upholding the country’s commitment to maintaining national security.

Also Read: MCOCA Case: Delhi Police Files Chargesheet Against Hrithik Involving AAP MLA Baliyan