Parliament has passed the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019 with the Rajya Sabha approving it today unanimously.
The latest amendment will enable the NIA to additionally investigate offences related to human trafficking, counterfeit currency, manufacture or sale of prohibited arms, cyber-terrorism and offences under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908. It also provides for constituting special courts for the trial of scheduled offences such as human trafficking and cyber terrorism.
Replying to a debate on the bill, Home Minister Amit Shah assured the House that the NIA will be able to deal with the cases related to terrorism against Indian citizens abroad and against the interest of the country. He said, it is not appropriate to raise fingers on the efficiency of this agency. Mr Shah also assured the House that Narendra Modi led government will not allow any misuse of the Act.
Earlier, moving the bill, Minister of State for Home, G Kishan Reddy said, the legislation will strengthen the legal framework of NIA to counter terrorism. He also said, it will ensure harsher punishment for terrorists. Vivek Tankha of Congress raised question on the bill. He said that constitutionality of a body like NIA is under challenge since policing is under state jurisdiction.