07 August,2026 12:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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The Maharashtra government has banned the publication, circulation, possession and distribution of literature linked to several proscribed terrorist organisations, stating that the material glorifies violent extremism, promotes radicalisation and poses a threat to the country's sovereignty, public order and internal security.
In a gazette notification issued by the Home Department on August 6, the state government also ordered the forfeiture of 114 publications, including books, magazines and other propaganda material allegedly associated with banned terrorist organisations.
According to the notification, intelligence inputs, cyber surveillance reports and investigations carried out by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) indicated the continued circulation and transmission of extremist literature linked to organisations involved in or supporting terrorist and unlawful activities.
The government stated that the material "glorifies violent extremism and jihad, promotes radicalisation, provides ideological indoctrination, facilitates recruitment, and incites or encourages acts prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, thereby posing a serious threat to public order, communal harmony and internal security."
The notification said the ban applies to the publication, circulation, distribution, sale, exhibition, possession and storage of such material in both physical and digital formats.
The Home Department said that in March 2025, senior police and ATS officials had informed the government that several books, newspapers, documents and other material, including paintings, drawings and photographs, required forfeiture because of their alleged association with activities considered prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state and public order.
Based on those findings, the state government concluded that the material was linked to banned terrorist organisations and therefore warranted action under the law.
The notification states that the banned publications are associated with organisations listed in the First Schedule of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, including their affiliated websites, social media platforms, encrypted communication channels and digital networks.
Among the organisations named are the Islamic State (IS/ISIS), Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Pir Panjal Regiment, and Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).
The government said the circulation of literature linked to these organisations is prejudicial to India's sovereignty, integrity and internal security.
The forfeiture order covers 114 items of alleged extremist literature.
According to the notification, these include 44 editions of the "Voice of Khurasan" magazine, along with publications such as "Are You Still Sitting", "Why Should You Join the Islamic State", and "Nida-e-Khurasan - 1 Urdu", which the government has linked to various manifestations of the Islamic State, including ISKP.
The notification also includes issues of "The Revolutionary Resurgence", allegedly associated with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Pir Panjal Regiment, and publications such as "Nawai Gazawa-e-Hind", "School of Yusuf" and "Modern Warfare", which the government has linked to Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).
The Home Department said the prohibition extends beyond printed publications to include digital copies, online circulation and storage of the listed material.
Officials said the move is intended to curb the dissemination of extremist propaganda, prevent radicalisation and strengthen measures aimed at safeguarding public order and national security.
(With inputs from PTI)
