Home Minister presents NIA and UAPA Bill in Lok Sabha

Breaking News! Union Home Minister P Chidambaram has tabled the National Investigating Agency Bill 2008 and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment (UNPA) Bill in Lok Sabha this afternoon. Both laws are aimed at dealing the menace of terrorism with an iron hand.

Here are the key features NIA (National Investigating Agency) Bill 2008:

• Special courts to be set up for speedy trial of terror-related offences
• Hearing to be held on a day-to-day basis
• Officers of the NIA will have special powers to investigate any terror-related incidents across the country
• Officers of the NIA will enjoy key powers and privileges like the local police officers

Here are the key features Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment (UAPA) Bill:

• Detention period extended to 180 days
• Police custody increased to 90 days
• Foreign terrorists won't be allowed bail
• Admissibility of electronic intercepts as evidence
• Trial in camera to protect witnesses
• Special provisions to freeze, seize and attach funds and properties of terrorists or terror organizations
• People using explosives, firearms, weapons, chemical, biological or radiological weapons with the intent of committing terror, shall be publishable with a jail term of up to 10 years
• Anyone, who raise funds directly or indirectly for the terrorists, shall be punishable with a jail term of 5 years
• Punishment for people who organise camps for training in terrorism

(Content © Breaking News Online)