Delhi High Court Asserts Jurisdiction over PFI Ban Challenge

The Delhi High Court has confirmed its jurisdiction to hear a petition from the Popular Front of India (PFI) challenging a tribunal's decision upholding the government's five-year ban on the organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The petition was previously challenged based on the tribunal being headed by a sitting judge.

The Delhi High Court has ruled that it can hear a challenge to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act Tribunal's order, which affirmed a five-year ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI). The order was released this Tuesday, spotlighting jurisdiction issues under Article 226 of the Constitution.

Despite the Centre's argument that the tribunal, led by a sitting High Court judge, could not be challenged under Article 226, the court disagreed. It stressed that while the tribunal functions like a civil court, it cannot equate entirely with judicial bodies.

The bench pledged further deliberations on January 20, 2026. The Centre's ban on PFI cited links to global terrorist groups and efforts to incite communal hatred. The court granted PFI time to respond fully, affirming the maintainability of its petition.

(With inputs from agencies.)