New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against an Aligarh-based man for allegedly establishing a ‘Centre for Narendra Modi Studies’ without the required permission from the Central Government or the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), officials said on Monday.
The action came after the PMO forwarded a complaint by an Aligarh-based advocate, who claimed that Jasim Mohammad was running the centre in violation of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, which prohibits the unauthorized use of the Prime Minister’s name or official title for private or commercial purposes.
According to officials, the CBI initiated a preliminary inquiry in April this year following a complaint from the PMO’s Assistant Director. The inquiry revealed that the “Centre for Narendra Modi Studies” had been registered as a trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1860, on January 25, 2021, without prior approval from either the Central Government or the PMO.
After reviewing the findings, the CBI sought permission from the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Rouse Avenue District Court (RADC), to proceed with the investigation. The court granted permission on October 14, after which the agency officially registered an FIR against Jasim Mohammad.
Officials said the investigation is now underway to determine the intent behind setting up the centre and whether any funds were collected or activities conducted using the Prime Minister’s name without authorization.
