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National Investigation Agency is central agency created to combat against terrorism in India.It was created after 2008 Mumbai attacks so far it has convicted 167 accused in 185 cases that realised the crucial role of  NIA  is playing in combating terrorism ,Although Nia is functioning   effectively under its domain  it is facing with restricted and Limited powers which the recently passed Nia Amendment Bill 2019 is going to address.

 Basic amendments of NIA Amendment Bill

 1.Extention office jurisdiction now Nia can investigate cases beyond India that is on foreign land

2.Increase the list of offences  unlike only terrorism now in I can deal with cases like human trafficking counterfeit currency cyber terrorism ect

3. Establishing trial courts to deal Nia cases with more efficiently and in speedier way.

 Criticism for above amendments

1. Addition of other crimes like human trafficking to Nia may prove counterproductive and dilute the character of NIA ,as dealing with human trafficking cases required local expertise and huge man power but considering the high rate in human trafficking and It can complement the work with other investigative agencies that makes handling human trafficking cases effectively.

2.Other criticisms like establishing more trial courts would lead filing of cases as quotes for already clock with shows backlogs

3.The new powers of NIA can be misused and can be used for political Vendetta

Just giving more powers without providing any provisions that prevent the misuse of powerswould create inefficiencies in the investigation agencies.Considering the changing nature of crimes like recent Sri Lankan bombing  where 11 Indians were killed attack of Indian Embassy in Afghanistan in which NIA could not involve in investigation this amendments is much need of an hour.

The NIA was set up in 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack. Under the existing Act, the NIA can investigate offences under Acts 1) the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, 2) Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967.

Under the Act, for the offences under its purview, NIA officers have the same power as other police officers and these extend across the country. ”. The existing Act allows the Centre to constitute special courts for NIA’s trials. 

The changes proposed in NIA Act 2008:-

1.         Type of offences that the NIA can investigate and prosecute.          It will enable the NIA to additional investigate offences related to human trafficking, counterfeit currency, manufacture or sale prohibited arms, cyber terrorism and offences under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.

2.         NIA’s jurisdiction -  The proposed Bill amends this to give NIA officers the power to investigate offences committed outside India. Of course, NIA’s jurisdiction will be subject to international treaties and domestic laws of other countries.

3.         The third change relates to the special trials courts for the offences that come under NIA’s purview or the so-called “scheduled offences. Proposed bill enables Central Govt, to designate session courts as special courts for such trials.


Some of the features of Amendment bill affecting the federal structure,  it is advisable for sending to JPC and getting an opinion from law commission.