India establishes three fresh NIA courts to accelerate anti-terror trials

The Indian government has taken a significant step to strengthen its counter-terrorism judicial infrastructure by establishing three new special NIA courts in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. The designations were made in consultation with the Chief Justices of the respective high courts, leveraging powers under Section 11 of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008. The courts in Visakhapatnam, Jaipur and Patna will function exclusively for trials of scheduled offences investigated by the NIA, according to a Home Ministry gazette notification. These tribunals will exercise state-wise jurisdiction over matters related to the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, ensuring specialised handling of terror-linked cases within their respective territories. The move reflects the government's commitment to reducing case backlogs in the anti-terrorism domain. In December 2025, the Centre informed the Supreme Court of its broader plan to establish dedicated NIA courts in each state and Union territory, with multiple courts to be set up in high-case-load locations, ensuring timely justice delivery in national security matters.