New Delhi: After a detailed discussion and debate, The National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed in Lok Sabha on Monday by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. As per Shah, the bill proposes to empower NIA to investigate terror crimes related to Indians and Indian interests abroad. “POTA should not have been removed in the first place, as it led to a rise in acts of terror” he said.

All you need to know about NIA bill: 

  • As per the central government, the NIA Amendment Bill 2019 will accelerate India’s fight against terrorism.

  • In simple terms, the NIA Amendment Bill 2019 will give power to the probe agency that was set up after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The key change in the new Bill is that it empowers the NIA to probe offenses under ‘scheduled list.’

  • Another major change is that the NIA officers can now probe offenses committed outside India. It means that the NIA can extend its investigation beyond Indian borders.

  • This means that the NIA can now investigate the offenses related to human trafficking; circulation of fake currency; manufacture and sale of prohibited arms; and cyber-terrorism.

  • The third biggest change in the NIA Amendment Bill 2019 is that now there will be special courts for adjudicating such cases. In addition to this, the Centre may designate Sessions Courts as Special Courts for the trial of scheduled offenses. The Home Minister said that by designating special courts, the cases would be expedited and transfers or delay in appointments of judges would not delay them.

  • Meanwhile, according to PRS Legislative Research, the officers of the NIA have the same powers as other police officers in relation to investigation of such offenses, across India.