The National Investigation Agency (known by its acronym NIA) is the main counter-terrorist task force of India.[1] The agency is empowered to deal with the investigation of terror related crimes across states. They deal those case without special permission from the states under written proclamation from the Home ministry of India.
History
The Agency came into existence with the enactment of the National Investigation Agency Act 2008 by the Parliament of India on 31 December 2008. It was passed after the deadly 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai. Such an attack revealed the failure of intelligence and ability to track such activities by existing agencies in India. Hence the government of India understands the need of a specific body to deal with terror related activities in India, thereby establishing the NIA.[2][3][4][5]
A bill for the formation of the National Investigation Agency was passed by Parliament in December 2008. As per the bill, NIA has existing jurisdiction. It empowers the Central Agency to probe terror attacks in any part of the country. It covers offences, including challenge to the country's sovereignty and integrity, bomb blasts, hijacking of aircraft and ships, attacks on nuclear installations.
The National Investigative Agency Bill and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill on Tuesday, 30 December 2008, became a law as PresidentPratibha Patil gave her assent to the legislation which was passed in the last session of the parliament.
NIA (Amendment) Bill 2019
The NIA (Amendment) Bill 2019 was passed by the parliament on 17 July 2019. The Bill aims to give more teeth to the investigating powers of the NIA. It empowers the NIA to probe terror attacks targeting Indians and Indian interests abroad.[7] The aims of the bill is to primarily empower the anti-terror agency to investigate offences such as human trafficking; circulation of fake currency; manufacture and sale of prohibited arms; and cyber-terrorism.
Special NIA Courts
Various Special Courts have been notified by the Central Government of India for trial of the cases registered at various police stations of NIA under Section 11 and 22 of the NIA Act 2008. Any question as to the jurisdiction of these courts is decided by the Central Government. These are presided over by a judge. The judge is appointed by the Central Government on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of the High Court with jurisdiction in that region.[8]
At present there are 38 Special NIA Courts.[9] State Governments have also been empowered to appoint one or more such special courts in their states.[8]
