National Investigation Agency
Also called: NIA · Topic: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial Bodies · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is India's central agency for terror-related crimes. It was set up under the NIA Act 2008, after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. It can investigate scheduled offences (crimes listed in a schedule of the Act) anywhere in India, and it does not need the state's consent. This matters because "police" is a State subject, but terror cases often cross state borders.
Example
The NIA (Amendment) Act 2019 widened its powers. It added human trafficking, fake currency, arms offences and cyber-terrorism to its list. It also let the NIA investigate scheduled offences committed abroad.
Don't confuse with
- CBI: the CBI works under the DSPE Act 1946 and needs a state's consent to investigate in that state. The NIA does not.
Related concepts
- Central Bureau of Investigation
- Delhi Special Police Establishment Act 1946
- General consent
- Section 6A of the DSPE Act
- Appointment of the CBI Director
- Extension of CBI and ED Directors' tenure (2021)
- Serious Fraud Investigation Office