RBI/2022-23/185
DOR.AML.REC.106/14.06.001/2022-23

March 17, 2023

The Chairpersons/ CEOs of all the Regulated Entities

Madam/Dear Sir,

Implementation of Section 51A of UAPA,1967: Updates to UNSC’s 1267/ 1989 ISIL (Da'esh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions List: Amendments to 102 entries

Please refer to Section 51 of our Master Direction on Know Your Customer dated February 25, 2016 as amended on May 10, 2021 (MD on KYC), in terms of which “Regulated Entities (REs) shall ensure that in terms of Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) (UAPA) Act, 1967, they do not have any account in the name of individuals/entities appearing in the lists of individuals and entities, suspected of having terrorist links, which are approved by and periodically circulated by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).”

2. In this connection, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has informed about UNSC press release SC/15229 dated March 15, 2023 wherein the Security Council Committee approved amendment to 102 entries (attached in Annex) on its ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List of individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo set out in paragraph 1 of Security Council resolution 2610 (2021), and these entries were amended following the 2021 Annual Review conducted in accordance with paragraphs 90 and 91 of resolution 2610 (2021).

3. The UNSC press release concerning amendments to the list is available at URL: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/press-releases

4. The details of the sanction measures and exemptions are available at the following URL: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267#further_information

5. In view of the above, REs are advised to take appropriate action in terms of sections 51, 52 and 53 of the MD on KYC and strictly follow the procedure laid down in the UAPA Order dated February 2, 2021 annexed to the MD on KYC.

6. Updated lists of individuals and entities linked to ISIL (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and Taliban are available at:

www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list

https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials

7. Further, as per the instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), any request for delisting received by any RE is to be forwarded electronically to Joint Secretary (CTCR), MHA for consideration. Individuals, groups, undertakings or entities seeking to be removed from the Security Council’s ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List can submit their request for delisting to an independent and impartial Ombudsperson who has been appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General. More details are available at the following URL: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/ombudsperson/application

8. REs are advised to take note of the aforementioned UNSC communications and ensure meticulous compliance.

Yours faithfully,

(Santosh Kumar Panigrahy)
Chief General Manager
Encl: As above