National Investigation Agency constituted

National Investigation Agency(NIA) has been constituted to combat terror in India. The agency will be empowered to deal with terror related crimes across Indian states without special permission from the states. NIA was created after the Nov. 2008 Mumbai terror attacks as need for a central agency to combat terrorism was realised.

Some of the salient features of NIA are-

• If the Centre feels the offense is terror related, it shall direct the NIA for investigation.
• NIA may investigate other offenses connected with terror related offenses.
• A state government shall extend all assistance to NIA for investigation of terror related offenses.
• The Centre shall constitute special courts for trial of terror-related offenses.
• Offenses punishable with imprisonment for less than three years may be tried summarily.
• No appeal shall be entertained after the expiry of 90 days.
• Aiding, abetting or committing a terrorist act shall be punishable with imprisonment up to ten years. Funding terror activities, organising training camps and recruiting persons for committing terror acts shall be punishable with atleast five years  imprisonment.