​Supreme Court Expands NIA’s Powers

On 17^th December 2024, in a significant ruling, the Supreme Court (SC) expanded the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA’s) powers of investigation.

SC’s Ruling

Interpretation of Section 8 of the NIA Act

• Section 8 allows the NIA to investigate connected offences if there is a “nexus” or “connection” with the Scheduled Offence.
• The court held that the phrase “the accused” in Section 8 must be interpreted broadly to include connected offences committed by individuals other than the primary accused in the Scheduled Offence.

Critical Role of Nexus

• The court emphasized that a clear and demonstrable connection between the offences is necessary ....