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National Investigation Agency
Why is it in news?
- The government has empowered the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Details:
- After this, the agency need not rely on local police to unravel drug trade ties that emerge during counter-terrorism operations.
- As per the notification, NIA officers of inspector rank and above have been vested with the same powers as an officer in charge of a police station under the 1985 NDPS law.
About NIA:
- NIA is established under NIA act 2008, enacted after Mumbai terror attack.
- It functions as the Central Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency in India.
- Scheduled offences:The schedule to the Act specifies a list of offences which are to be investigated and prosecuted by the NIA.
(1) These include offences under Acts such as the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967.
(2) 2019 amendment to NIA act 2008 added the following offences (i) human trafficking, (ii) offences related to counterfeit currency or bank notes, (iii) manufacture or sale of prohibited arms, (iv) cyber-terrorism, and (v) offences under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.
- Jurisdiction of the NIA:
(1) The officers of the NIA have the same powers as other police officers in relation to investigation of above mentioned offences, across India.
(2) 2019 amendment increased the jurisdiction scheduled offences committed outside India, subject to international treaties and domestic laws of other countries
(3) The Special Court in New Delhi will have jurisdiction over these cases.