National Investigation Agency (NIA)

The National Investigation Agency is an investigation agency functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs that ensures that the sovereignty, security, and integrity of India are preserved. They investigate those crimes that spread fear amongst the Indian citizens and threaten their safety and security.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is an anti-terrorism law enforcement organization in India. By official proclamation of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the agency is authorized to handle the investigation of terror-related crimes throughout states without specific consent from the states.

In this article, we will cover the National Investing Agency, its history, composition, objectives, functions, regional offices, and jurisdictions, along with the NIA Amendment Act of 2019.

What is the National Investigation Agency?

The headquarters of the National Investigation Agency is situated in the nation’s capital New Delhi. The NIA has the power to search extensively to maintain a record of all the organizations of the terrorists across India and those from outside of India who try to spread fear among the citizens of India. In 2008, the terror attacks in Mumbai led to the creation of the NIA. The agency has the authority to investigate terror-related activities across states without the need for special permission from the states.

The National Investigation Agency strives to be an extremely competent investigation organization that meets the highest global standards. By becoming a highly skilled, collaborative staff, the NIA hopes to become the national leader in counterterrorism and other national security-related investigations. The goal of the NIA is to dissuade potential and current terrorist organizations and/or individuals. Its goal is to become a repository for all information about terrorism.

History of the National Investigation Agency

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was established on December 31, 2008, in response to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The NIA operates under the National Investigation Agency Act of 2008, with the primary objective of investigating and prosecuting offenses related to terrorism, counterfeit currency, human trafficking, arms smuggling, and cybercrimes affecting national security. It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is led by a Director-General. The NIA has handled several high-profile cases, including the Mumbai attacks and the Pulwama attack, and collaborates with international agencies to counter terrorism. Over time, the NIA’s powers have been strengthened through amendments to its enabling legislation.

Composition of the National Investigation Agency

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is headed by a Director-General (DG) and includes an Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Superintendents of Police (SPs), who lead investigation teams. Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), additional SPs, and assistant SPs support higher-ranking officers. Legal advisors ensure legal procedures are followed, and technical and forensic experts analyze evidence. Special units address specific challenges like cybercrime and counter-terrorism. Administrative and support staff contribute to the agency’s smooth functioning. The NIA’s composition allows for a coordinated and effective response to counter-terrorism and national security challenges.

Objectives of the National Investigation Agency

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has the following objectives:

• Transparent and Speedy Investigation: The objectives of the NIA include the investigation of the crimes professionally and bring in the punishment of the perpetrators speedily. They aim to work efficiently and work hard towards achieving a smooth trial of the terrorists.
• Upholding Constitutional Values: The agency often relies on modern technologies to investigate a crime and hence upholds the constitutional value of promoting the scientific temper of the entire nation. Their objective is also to cooperate with state-controlled investigating agencies and create a common database to identify the perpetrators and curb them from India.
• Amendment of the Act: The National Investigation Agency Act was amended in 2019 to include certain changes regarding the kind of offences that they can investigate like the selling of illegal weapons, trafficking of humans, cyber crimes, circulating fake currencies in the market, making illegal explosives etc

The NIA is on duty to protect the Indian citizens from any kind of notorious activity by the terrorists and they ensure that the people are fearless in their mind. They also suggest improvements regarding terrorism laws and how terrorism can be efficiently controlled by the government of India.

Functions of the National Investigation Agency

The functions of the NIA are stated below:

• Investigation: The primary function of the NIA is that they can investigate any crime across India with the permission of the Central government but without the permission of the state governments.
• Investigating Several Crimes: The agency investigates nuclear crimes, war crimes etc. It puts a check on the terrorist activities across India which impacts the effect of terrorism globally. Their job is basically to investigate terror crimes and protect the dignity of Indian citizens by making sure the terrorists get punished by the courts.
• Helping State Governments: The NIA also aid the state regarding such crimes. They analyze the laws on terrorism and suggest changes as well as frameworks to curb fear in the minds of the people of India.

Jurisdiction of the National Investigation Agency

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has nationwide jurisdiction, covering all of India, Union territories, and even offences committed outside the country that impact India’s security. Its mandate includes investigating and prosecuting scheduled offences, primarily related to terrorism. Amendments to the NIA Act have expanded its jurisdiction to include cyber-terrorism, offences under the Atomic Energy Act, and crimes affecting the economy. State governments can refer cases to the NIA, and the agency has the authority to handle cases directed by the Supreme Court or High Courts. The broad jurisdiction allows the NIA to address complex and evolving national security threats comprehensively. The NIA can investigate cases across India.

It does not have to get permission from the state governments to do so. The NIA can confer any scheduled offence on the Special Courts for trial. The scheduled offences include:

• Explosive Substances Act
• Atomic Energy Act
• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
• Anti-Hijacking Act
• Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act
• SAARC Convention (Suppression of Terrorism) Act
• Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Maritime Navigation and Fixed Platforms on Continental Shelf Act
• Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act
• Any other relevant offences under the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act and the Information Technology Act.
• Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

Regional Offices of National Investigation Agency

The Reigonal Offices of National Investigation Agency are given below:

1. NIA Hyderabad
2. NIA Guwahati
3. NIA Lucknow
4. NIA Mumbai
5. NIA Kochi
6. NIA Raipur
7. NIA Jammu
8. NIA Kolkata

NIA Amendment Act, 2019

The NIA Amendment Act was passed in 2019. It was formed for speedy investigation and prosecution of crimes like cyber-terrorism, fake currencies, illegal arms, and the selling of illegal weapons under the Explosive Substances Act of 1908. The amended act includes territories outside India. The amendment gave power to the central government to turn the session courts into special courts of the NIA after consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court. The same power is conferred on the state governments as well.

NIA Special Courts

The NIA has Special Courts under Articles 11 and 22 of the NIA Act of 2008, where the scheduled crimes investigated by the agency are put to trial. There are many special courts in India currently. The judges are appointed by the Government of India after consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court of a particular state. The union government might also appoint an additional judge to the Special Courts if required. The Special Courts have all the same powers as the Sessions Court under CrPC, 1973. The Supreme Court and High Courts can transfer any case to the Special Courts on request.

Recent Amendments to National Investigation Agency

The most recent amendment to the NIA is the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019. It gives greater authority to the central government. The central government can ask the NIA to investigate a particular crime. The amendment also ensures a faster investigation into a case. The crimes included in the recent amendments to the NIA are scheduled offences. All the crimes included under the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act of 1967 are scheduled crimes. In addition, human trafficking, offences related to counterfeit currency or bank notes, manufacture or sale of prohibited arms, cyber-terrorism, and offences under the Explosive Substances Act of 1908 are considered scheduled offences as well.

National Investigation Agency UPSC

The National Investigation Agency is an important topic in the “internal security” section of the UPSC Mains syllabus under GS Paper 2 (Polity). Students can refer to this article for a comprehensive understanding of the PYQs of the National Investigation Agency.

UPSC Mains PYQs

Q. The Indian Government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of the prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations. (2019)

Summary – National Investigation Agency

National Investigation Agency (NIA) is a crucial law enforcement agency in India, established in response to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and has the authority to investigate and prosecute offenses related to terrorism, counterfeit currency, human trafficking, arms smuggling, and cybercrimes affecting national security. The NIA’s objectives include transparent and speedy investigations, upholding constitutional values, and acting as a deterrent to terrorist activities. The agency’s functions encompass nationwide investigation without state-specific permissions and collaboration with state governments. The NIA jurisdiction covers India, Union territories, and offenses outside the country affecting India’s security. The 2019 amendment to the NIA Act expanded its scope to include offenses like cyber-terrorism, fake currencies, illegal arms, and selling illegal weapons, even outside India.

FAQs on National Investigation Agency – Objectives, Functions

1. What does the National Investigation Agency do?

The National Investigation Agency investigates crimes that threaten the security of India. The crimes are related to terrorism, fake currency, use of illegal explosives and weapons etc.

2. How to get a job in National Investigation Agency?

One must be a graduate from any government recognized university to get a job in NIA. Secondly, one has to qualify the entrance exam known as SSC CGL. Another way to get a job in NIA is through UPSC.

3. When was National Investigation Agency founded?

The NIA was founded on 31st December, 2008. The headquarters of NIA is at New Delhi. The Indian government established it in order to fight terrorism.

4. Is NIA a statutory body?

NIA is a statutory body. It is established by an act of the Government of India. The act is The National Investigation Agency Act, 2008.

5. What is the salary of an NIA officer?

The payscale of an NIA officer varies from Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,12,400. They get their monthly salary in the Pay Matrix Level 10.

6. Is NIA a secret agency?

Yes, the National Security Agency (NSA) functions as a secret agency. The National Investigation Organisation Act of 2008 created this statutory public organisation, which serves as India’s main counterterrorism organisation.

7. Who is the Director General of National Investigation Agency?

Dinkar Gupta is the Director General of National Investigation Agency till March 31, 2024.

8. What is the National Investigation Agency Website?

The website of National Investigation Agency is https://nia.gov.in/