Delhi Court orders charges against PFI leaders in conspiracy case
A special National Investigation Agency court in Delhi has directed that charges be framed against the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and several of its senior office-bearers in a case concerning alleged anti-national activities.
The court observed that the material placed before it was sufficient at the current stage to raise serious suspicion regarding allegations of a broader conspiracy involving attempts to challenge India’s constitutional framework and establish an alternative system of governance.
Charges are set to be framed against multiple accused under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The court also ruled that the organisation itself could face charges as a legal entity.
Formal proceedings for framing charges have been scheduled for July 10. The case stems from actions taken by the Union government in 2022, when the PFI and several affiliated organisations were banned under anti-terror legislation over allegations concerning unlawful activities and links to extremist networks. The organisation has denied wrongdoing, and the matter remains under judicial consideration.