National Investigation Agency (NIA): Establishment, Composition & Functions

• Central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency in the country;
• Established in 2009 under the provisions of the NIA ACT, 2008.
• The NIA was established in the backdrop of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
• NIA has a separate specialized cell known as TFFC, to deal with fake currency notes and terror funding.

• Under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• State government extends all assistance and cooperation to the NlA for the investigation of the offences specified under the NIA Act.

• Headed by a Director-General, appointed by the central government.
• His/her powers are similar to the powers exercisable by the Director-General of Police of state.

• Collects, collates and analyzes counter-terrorism investigations. 
• Investigate and prosecute offences in respect of the Acts specified in the Schedule of the NIA Act.
• Assist to/seek assistance from, other intelligence and investigation agencies of the central/state governments.
• Take measures necessary for speedy and effective implementation of the NIA Act.

• • Professionalism and International Standards: NIA aims to be a thoroughly professional investigative agency matching the best international standards. 
  • Counterterrorism and National Security Investigations: The NIA 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. 
• Counterterrorism Deterrence and Intelligence Repository: NIA aims at creating deterrence for existing and potential terrorist groups/individuals. It aims to develop as a storehouse of all terrorist related information.

• Power to Make Rules: The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the provisions of this Act. 
• Power of High Courts to Make Rules: The High Court may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make such rules, as it may deem necessary for carrying out the provisions of this Act relating to Special Courts within its territory. 

• Concurrent Jurisdiction: To investigate and prosecute offences affecting the sovereignty/security/integrity of India, security of state, friendly relations with foreign states and offences under various Acts enacted to implement international treaties, agreements, conventions and resolutions of the UNO/its agencies/other international organizations.
• Probe: Terror Attacks, including bomb blasts, hijacking of aircraft and ships, attacks on nuclear installations and use of weapons of mass destruction.
• Post-2019, empowered to probe the offences relating to human trafficking, counterfeit currency or bank notes, manufacture or sale of prohibited arms, cyber-terrorism and explosive substances.

(Amendment) Act, 2019

• Extraterritorial Application: Applied the provisions of the NIA Act to persons who commit a scheduled offence beyond India against Indian citizens or affecting the interest of India.
  • Powers and Authorities: Officers of the NIA shall have similar powers, duties, privileges and liabilities being exercised by the police officers in connection with the investigation of offences, not only in India but also outside India.
• Central Government’s Authority: Central government wrt scheduled offence committed outside India can direct the NIA to register the case and take up investigation as if such offence has taken place in India.
• Special Court: The central government and the state governments may designate session courts as Special courts for conducting the trial of offences under the NIA Act.