Click to play videoNew Delhi: The Central Government on Tuesday introduced two Bills to set up a National Investigation Agency (NIA) with special powers and to amend the law to provide for more stringent action to deal with terrorism effectively.
The National Investigation Agency Bill 2008 and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill were moved by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in the Lok Sabha, a day after the Union Cabinet gave its nod to such measures.
However, in an exclusive interview to CNN-IBN, the Minister of Minority Affairs AR Antulay says the amended law might be misused against minorities.
CNN-IBN: There is a fear being expressed by some UPA (United Progressive Alliance) partners that some of the clauses being recommended in this new law can be misused. Do you agree with these apprehensions?
AR Antulay: I cannot rule out the possibility of this law when it is enacted and finally enforced by notification that it will not be misused. There are certain things that could have been or could now be also misused and abused. This is very law which is in the interest of the nation should be also made applicable to communal riots. Whatever the criticism is being made, rightly or wrongly of misuse which is possible as I said. It cannot be made by the minorities as it will also be applicable to riots.
The NIA Bill provides for setting up of Special Courts for speedy trial of terror-related offences, with hearings to be held on day-to-day basis. Any case pending in any special court can be transferred to any other special court.
Notwithstanding law and order being the state subject, officers of the NIA above the rank of Sub Inspector will have special powers to pursue and investigate any offence related to terror across the country.
Officers of the Agency would enjoy all powers, duties, privileges and liabilities which the local police officers have in connection with cases related to terror.
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