Federalism Debate Rekindled as Supreme Court Takes Up NIA Act Case

Supreme Court agrees to hear plea challenging NIA Act The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a petition challenging the constitutional validity of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008 A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued notice to the Centre and sought its response within four weeks, calling the issues raised “of vital importance.” The petition argues that the law violates the federal structure of the Constitution by allowing the Centre to override state police powers. It also questions provisions that let the NIA take over investigations without state consent and exercise powers similar to a police force. The case has been scheduled for further hearing on July 14