Section 20Prohibition of formation of certain associations or unions

s. 20

20. Prohibition of formation of certain associations or unions (1) No person shall form, or be a member or otherwise take part in the activities of, any communal or other association or union which in the name or on the basis of any religion has for its object, or pursues, a political purpose. (2) Where the Government is satisfied that an association or union has been formed or is operating in contravention of the provisions of sub-section (1), it may, after hearing the person or persons concerned, declare, by notification in the official Gazette, that the association or union has been formed or is operating in contravention of the provisions of sub-section (1), and upon such declaration, the association or union concerned shall stand dissolved and all its properties and funds shall be forfeited to Government. (3) Any person who, after the dissolution of an association or union under sub-section (2), holds himself out as a member or office-bearer of that association or union, or acts for, or otherwise takes part in the activities of, that association or union, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.