Karnataka High Court upholds central government's ban on Popular Front

BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday upheld the central government's decision to ban the Popular Front of India (PFI). The court issued the verdict by pointing out that there is no reason to interfere in the central government's action. The single bench headed by Justice M Nagaprasanna quashed the petition filed by Popular Front leader Nasir Pasha.

The central government banned the Popular Front and its affiliated organizations for five years on September 28. The PFI was banned for allegedly hatching a conspiracy to kill dignitaries, planning anti-national activities and for having close links with terror outfits.

In his petition, the petitioner argued that the union government imposed a ban on the PFI without giving valid reasons. The ban had been imposed without giving any time to place its arguments and against the UAPA Act. Arguing for the central government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that the PFI is carrying out anti-national activities. He stated that the PFI is indulging in violence and its members are creating an atmosphere of fear in the society.