In the aftermath of the murder of Students Federation of India (SFI) leader Abhimanyu, there have been several calls in Kerala to ban Popular Front of India (PFI), which is accused of the brutal killing of the student in Ernakulam.

On 1 July, 20-year-old Abhimanyu was attacked and killed at Maharaja’s College hostel. The men behind the killing of the college student are alleged to be PFI activists.

Since then, calls have gotten louder to ban PFI. However, the CPM-led LDF state government feels that banning won’t help as such outfits may return under new names. The Union government has also sought details from Kerala police about PFI.

Earlier in 2001, there was a ban on the Student Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).  Many of the SIMI activists are now with PFI.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was banned three times in Kerala but they returned.

"Our group didn't change our name after every ban. We came back with more power after each ban because we know we didn't do anything wrong to get a ban. The other groups are scared of the government, so they change their names and come back," Anjay Nadacheri, an RSS activist, said.
CPM informed the government that they should use their forces to control, monitor and socially isolate PFI. The Communist party said PFI’s activities should be curtailed.