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Supreme Court issues notice in plea challenging validity of 2008 NIA Act; hearing set for July 14
The Supreme Court bench on April 21, 2026, sought responses from the Centre and others on a plea challenging the validity of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, and issued notice. The court directed counter affidavits within four weeks and rejoinders within two weeks, with a hearing scheduled for July 14, 2026.
Why It Matters
The case tests the legal limits of central legislation on counter-terrorism and raises questions about the Centre’s legislative competence and police powers, including potential suo motu FIR registration.
Timeline
5 Events
Hearing scheduled for July 14
July 14, 2026
The top court posted the matter for hearing on July 14, 2026.
Rejoinder deadline for petitioner
June 2, 2026
The petitioner would thereafter have two weeks to file a rejoinder affidavit, i.e., by June 2, 2026.
Deadline for counter affidavit set
May 19, 2026
The court directed that the respondents file a counter affidavit within four weeks from April 21, 2026, i.e., by May 19, 2026.
Supreme Court notices Centre, NIA in plea challenging validity of 2008 NIA Act
April 21, 2026
The Supreme Court bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued notices to the Centre, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and others seeking their responses to a plea challenging the validity of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008. The plea argues the Act violates Article 14 and exceeds the Centre's legislative competence. The bench said the questions raised were of vital importance and directed that a counter affidavit be filed within four weeks, with the petitioner to reply two weeks later. The bench also asked for assistance on the suo motu registration of FIR.
NIA established under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008
2008
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was set up under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, as a central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.