National Investigation Agency (NIA)

• Establishment:
  • Constituted in 2009 under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008.
  • Central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency.
  • Established after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks (26/11).
  • Headquarters: New Delhi.
  • Branch offices in different states.
  • TFFC Cell: Specialised cell dealing with fake currency notes and terror funding.
  • Headed by a Director-General appointed by the central government.
  • Works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • State governments provide assistance and cooperation.
• Rationale (as stated during the introduction of the NIA Bill, 2008):
  • India has been a victim of large-scale, cross-border terrorism.
  • Terrorist attacks in various parts of India, including militancy/insurgency-affected areas, left-wing extremism affected areas, hinterland, and major cities.
  • Many incidents have complex inter-state and international linkages, potentially connected to activities like arms and drug smuggling, fake currency, and infiltration.
  • Need for a central agency to investigate offenses related to terrorism and other Acts with national ramifications.
  • Recommendations from expert committees and the Second Administrative Reforms Commission of India.
• Functions:
  • Investigates and prosecutes offenses under the Acts mentioned in the Schedule of the NIA Act.
  • Collects, collates, and analyzes counter-terrorism intelligence.
  • Shares information with sister intelligence agencies.
  • Functions:
    • Investigating and prosecuting offenses specified in the NIA Act Schedule.
    • Providing and seeking assistance from other intelligence and investigation agencies.
    • Taking measures for speedy and effective implementation of the NIA Act provisions.
• Vision:
  • To be a thoroughly professional investigative agency matching international standards.
  • To set standards of excellence in counter-terrorism and national security investigations.
  • To create deterrence for terrorist groups/individuals.
  • To develop as a storehouse of terrorist-related information.
• Mission:
  • In-depth professional investigation of scheduled offences using scientific methods.
  • Ensuring effective and speedy trials.
  • Developing a result-oriented organisation upholding the Constitution and protecting human rights.
  • Developing a professional workforce through training and exposure.
  • Displaying scientific temper and progressive spirit.
  • Inducting modern methods and the latest technology.
  • Maintaining cordial relations with state governments and other law enforcement agencies.
  • Assisting states and other investigating agencies in terrorist case investigations.
  • Building and sharing a terrorist-related information database.
  • Studying and analysing terrorism laws and proposing changes.
  • Winning citizen confidence through selfless and fearless endeavours.
• Jurisdiction:
  • Concurrent jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute offenses affecting the sovereignty, security, and integrity of India.
  • Offenses affecting friendly relations with foreign states.
  • Offenses under various Acts implementing international treaties, agreements, conventions and resolutions of the UNO and other international organisations.
  • Empowered to probe terror attacks (bomb blasts, hijacking), attacks on nuclear installations, and use of weapons of mass destruction.
• NIA (Amendment) Act, 2019:
  • Applied the provisions of the NIA Act to persons committing scheduled offenses beyond India against Indian citizens or affecting India's interests.
  • NIA officers have similar powers, duties, and liabilities as police officers for investigations both inside and outside India.
  • Central government can direct the NIA to register and investigate scheduled offenses committed outside India.
  • Central and state governments may designate Sessions Courts as Special Courts for trials under the NIA Act.
  • Inserted new offenses in the Schedule of the NIA Act.