On September 27, 2022, the Union Home Ministry declared the Popular Front of India (PFI) and eight associate organisations unlawful under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This announcement has once again brought to the fore the question whether banning political and social organisations has served Indian society.
Seventy five years ago, soon after India gained independence from British colonial rule, the Nehru government banned the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Since then, it has become the practice of governments to ban this or that political or social organization, citing various justifications. For instance, during the National Emergency of 1975-1977, many opposition parties and social organisations were banned. Thousands of political activists belonging to these organisations were jailed.
The experience of the past seventy five years shows that banning this or that political or social organization has not served society. Nor has jailing people for their political views or activities. People have the right to have their own vision of society and to propagate their vision. Revenge-seeking must have no place in politics.
The Communist Ghadar Party of India is of the view that political differences need political resolution. They must not be treated as law and order problems to be dealt with using police powers.