Q. With reference to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), consider the following statements;
1.It is a statutory body mandated to investigate offences related to friendly relations with foreign states.
2.It has powers to take cases on suo motu basis.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct: NIA was constituted under the National Investigation Agency(NIA) Act, 2008.
It is a Central Agency mandated to investigate all the offences affecting:
– Sovereignty, security and integrity of India,
– Friendly relations with foreign states,
– Offenses under the statutory laws enacted to implement international treaties, agreements, conventions and resolutions of the United Nations, its agencies and other international organizations.
Statement 2 is incorrect: As provided under Section 6 of the Act, State governments can refer the cases pertaining to the scheduled offences registered at any police station to the Central government (Union Home Ministry) for NIA investigation.
– After assessing the details made available, the Centre can then direct the NIA to take over the case. State governments are required to extend all assistance to the NIA.
– Even when the Central government is of the opinion that a scheduled offence has been committed which is required to be investigated under the Act, it may, suo motu, direct the agency to take up/over the probe. (But the agency does not have suo moto powers).
Source: The Hindu
