Q1. Which of the following best explains the concurrent jurisdiction of the NIA?
- It shares authority with state police to investigate offences under scheduled Acts.
- It can operate only in territories directly controlled by the Union Government.
- It can investigate only after state government approval.
- It needs a Supreme Court directive to initiate any investigation.
Correct Option: 1. It shares authority with state police to investigate offences under scheduled Acts.
Explanation: “Concurrent jurisdiction” means both the central and state authorities can investigate certain offences. The NIA, under the NIA Act, operates with nationwide jurisdiction over offences that fall under the scheduled Acts, regardless of the state boundaries.
National Investigation Agency (NIA)
Introduction
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is India’s premier counter-terrorism law enforcement agency, established to combat terrorism and related threats to national security.
Establishment
-Constituted: 2009
-Legislation: National Investigation Agency Act, 2008
-Background: In response to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks (26/11)
Headquarters and Offices
-Head Office: New Delhi
-Branch Offices: Hyderabad, Guwahati, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kochi, Kolkata, Jammu, Raipur
-Special Cell: TFFC Cell (Terror Funding and Fake Currency)
Leadership
-Headed by a Director-General (DG), appointed by the Central Government
-DG holds powers equivalent to a state DGP
Administrative Control
-Operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
-States must cooperate with the NIA for investigations under the NIA Act
Mandate and Jurisdiction
1. Investigates offences that have national security implications
2. Jurisdiction covers:
-Terrorist activities
-Hijackings
-Attacks on nuclear installations
-Use of weapons of mass destruction
-Fake currency
-Human trafficking
-Cyber terrorism
-Prohibited arms
-Explosive substances
3. Jurisdiction is concurrent with state police
International Jurisdiction (Post-2019 Amendment)
1. Can investigate offences outside India if:
-Committed by or against Indian citizens
-Affect India’s interests
2. NIA officers have powers similar to police officers internationally
Functions
-Investigate offences under Acts listed in the Schedule of NIA Act
-Collaborate with central and state intelligence agencies
-Share intelligence and develop terror-related databases
-Provide training and adopt modern investigative techniques
-Assist other agencies in terror-related probes
Vision
-Become a professional investigative agency of global standards
-Set benchmark practices in counter-terrorism
-Act as a repository of terrorism-related information
-Build deterrence against terrorism
Mission
-Conduct scientific and effective investigations
-Ensure speedy trials
-Protect human rights and constitutional values
-Use technology and international best practices
-Build coordination with states and other agencies
-Regularly review and suggest updates to anti-terror laws
Q2. Which of the following offences did NOT originally fall under the NIA’s jurisdiction but was included after the 2019 amendment?
- Bomb blasts
- Cyber-terrorism
- Attacks on nuclear installations
- Use of weapons of mass destruction
Correct Option: 2. Cyber-terrorism.
Explanation: Originally, NIA was empowered to investigate offences like bomb blasts, WMD use, and attacks on nuclear facilities. Cyber-terrorism was specifically included as part of the 2019 amendment to widen NIA’s jurisdiction.
NIA (Amendment) Act, 2019 – Key Highlights
1. Extended jurisdiction outside India
2. Officers can act as police officers abroad
3. Allowed Centre to direct NIA to investigate foreign offences
4. Enabled Centre and States to designate Special Courts
5. Added new offences to the Schedule (e.g., human trafficking, cyberterrorism)
Q3. What is the main role of the TFFC Cell within the NIA?
- Coordination with foreign intelligence agencies
- Handling hijacking and piracy cases
- Investigating fake currency and terror financing
- Supervising state-level NIA operations
Correct Option: 3. Investigating fake currency and terror financing.
Explanation: The TFFC Cell (Terror Funding and Fake Currency Cell) is a specialized unit within NIA focused on tackling fake Indian currency notes and terror-related financing.
Q4. Which of the following accurately reflects the NIA’s approach to international offences as per the 2019 amendment?
- NIA must seek UN approval before investigating international crimes.
- NIA officers are not authorized to operate outside Indian territory.
- NIA can investigate scheduled offences committed abroad involving Indian interests.
- NIA can prosecute only Indian nationals for crimes abroad.
Correct Option: 3. NIA can investigate scheduled offences committed abroad involving Indian interests.
Explanation: The 2019 amendment to the NIA Act allows the agency to investigate offences committed outside India if they involve Indian citizens or affect India’s interests, giving NIA international reach in its jurisdiction.
Q5. Which one of the following is NOT part of NIA’s vision statement?
- Creating deterrence against terrorism
- Upholding federal autonomy in investigations
- Becoming a center of excellence in counter-terrorism
- Developing into a storehouse of terrorist-related information
Correct Option: 2. Upholding federal autonomy in investigations.
Explanation: NIA’s vision includes becoming a world-class investigative agency, creating deterrence, and acting as a repository of terror-related data. Federal autonomy is a state concern and not a part of the NIA’s vision.