Srinagar: In order to ease the burden on National Investigation Agency (NIA) courts, Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Saturday ordered constitution of exclusive special courts for NIA cases.
In an order, Registrar General, J&K High Court, Sanjeev Gupta stated that to ease out the pressure from the NIA Courts, the Chief Justice has been pleased to transfer the Civil, Session trial cases (except Rape Cases) and NDPS cases pending in the Court of Additional District and Sessions Judge, (NIA Special Court), Anantnag to the Court of Principal District and Sessions Judge, Anantnag for disposal in accordance with law.
“Similarly, Session trial cases, NDPS and Civil Cases are transferred from the Court of Additional District and Sessions Judge (NIA Special Court), Baramulla to the Court of Principal District and Sessions Judge, Baramulla for disposal in accordance with law,” reads the order.
It added that further, NIA Special Courts, Anantnag and Baramulla are directed to expedite and take up the cases on priority.
The NIA Special Courts are empowered with all powers of the court of sessions under Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 for trial of any offense. Trial by this courts are held on day-to-day basis on all working days and have precedence over the trial of any other case against the accused in any other court (not being a Special Court) and have to be concluded in preference to the trial of such other case.
At present there are 38 Special NIA Courts, State Governments have also been empowered to appoint one or more such special courts in their states.
The NIA (Amendment) Bill 2019 was passed by the parliament on 17 July 2019. The Bill aims to give more teeth to the investigating powers of the NIA. It empowers the NIA to probe terror attacks targeting Indians and Indian interests abroad.
(With KNO Inputs)