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Supreme Court to hear plea challenging NIA Act; seeks Centre’s response
The Supreme Court sought the Centre's response to a petition challenging the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, arguing it violates the federal structure. The PIL, filed by Kerala-based lawyer Mohammed Mubarak Ali—an accused in an NIA probe into PFI—contends the Act allows the NIA to take over state cases without state consent. The bench issued notice to the Ministry of Home Affairs, with four weeks to respond, and said the matter will be heard next on July 14.
Why It Matters
The case questions the balance of policing powers between the Centre and states and could influence how the NIA operates within federal structures.
Timeline
1 Event
Court actions and next steps in NIA Act challenge
April 21, 2026
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta stated the court will hear the petition challenging the NIA Act. The court issued notice to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for furnishing a response within four weeks. The petitioner is Mohammed Mubarak Ali, a Kerala-based lawyer and an accused in an NIA probe into alleged unlawful activities of the Popular Front of India (PFI). The matter will be heard next on July 14, 2026.