National Investigation Agency (NIA)- UPSC Current Affairs

Context

Recently, the cases of murders in Rajasthan and Maharashtra have been handed over to NIA by Union Home Ministry. 

About National Investigation Agency (NIA)

• It is a statutory body, constituted under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008.
• It is functioning as the Central Counter-Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency in India under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Headquarters: Delhi
• Background: NIA was set up in wake of the rising incidence of large-scale terrorism, the smuggling of arms and drugs, pushing in and circulation of fake Indian currency, infiltration from across the borders, etc.
• Major Reason for NIA Establishment: The Mumbai terror attack “26/11” in 2008 was the major reason that the government decided for establishing the NIA.

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Aim of NIA

• It aims to be a thoroughly professional investigative agency matching the best international standards.
•  It aims to set the standards of excellence in counter terrorism and other national security related investigations at the national level by developing into a highly trained, partnership-oriented workforce.
• It aims at creating deterrence for existing and potential terrorist groups/individuals. 
• It aims to develop as a storehouse of all terrorists related information.

Major Goals of NIA

• Ensuring an effective and speedy trial.
• Developing a professional workforce through regular training and exposure to the best practices and procedures.
• Displaying scientific temper and progressive spirit.
• Inducting modern methods and the latest technology.
• Assist all States and other investigating agencies in the investigation of terrorist cases.
• Build a database of all terrorist-related information to share with the States and other agencies.
• To win the confidence of the citizens of India through selfless and fearless endeavors.

Applicability of NIA Act, 2008

This Act is applicable to:

• the whole country.

• Indian citizens residing outside the country.
• Persons in service of government and on ships and aircraft registered in India.
• A person who commits scheduled offenses against an Indian citizen or affects the interest of India.

Powers of the NIA

• Section 6 of the NIA Act provides the ways NIA takes up a probe.
• NIA can take suo motu cognizance of terror activities in any part of India and register a case, to enter any state without permission from the state government.
• It can take a probe, arrest, seize, and even prosecute those who commit or are involved in the offense.
• The Central government on its own can also transfer the cases to the NIA for investigation depending upon the gravity of the crime and the significance of its impacts.

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Recent Amendments

• The NIA (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament.
• The Bill allows the NIA to investigate the following additional offenses:
  • Any Offenses under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908
  • Cyber-terrorism
  • Human trafficking
  • Manufacture or sale of prohibited arms
  • Related Offenses to counterfeit currency or banknotes

Source: The Hindu

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