The Union Home Ministry has designated three new special courts for the National Investigation Agency in Rajasthan, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh. This initiative aims to expedite anti-terror trials under the UAPA, fulfilling a commitment to upgrade national legal infrastructure.
On August 28, 2026, the Union Home Ministry announced the establishment of three new special courts for the National Investigation Agency (NIA). These facilities are located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh; Jaipur, Rajasthan; and Patna, Bihar. The decision was exercised under Section 11 of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, following formal consultations with the Chief Justices of the respective High Courts.
The primary objective of this expansion is to accelerate the trial of scheduled offences investigated by the NIA, with a specific focus on cases filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). By centralizing these proceedings, the government seeks to reduce the backlog of anti-terror litigation. This move is part of a broader commitment made to the Supreme Court in December 2025, where the central government pledged to establish dedicated NIA courts in every state and Union Territory that reports ten or more pending trials.
To support the operation of these courts, the central government has outlined a financial structure. Each new court is eligible for a one-time grant of Rs 1 crore to cover initial setup costs, such as infrastructure development, IT equipment procurement, and the acquisition of vehicles. Additionally, the government has provided for an annual recurring grant of Rs 1 crore for each court, which is earmarked for ongoing operational requirements, including staff salaries and administrative expenses.
The effectiveness of these courts will rely on the timely execution of this infrastructure setup and the swift appointment of judicial and administrative staff. While this development is a legal and administrative action rather than a corporate one, it signals a consistent effort to strengthen the judicial framework for security-related matters. The next steps for observers to monitor will be the official commencement of operations at these new sites and the transition of pending caseloads to these dedicated facilities.