A’bad gets designated NIA court to fast-track terror cases | Ahmedabad News

Ahmedabad: The ministry of home affairs on Tuesday designated a special court in Ahmedabad exclusively for cases probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). As per a notification issued on Tuesday, March 17, the court of the additional principal judge at the city civil court was notified as a special NIA court under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008. The court will exclusively try scheduled offences investigated by NIA and have jurisdiction across the entire state of Gujarat.The development follows recent directions from the Supreme Court of India, which in Feb issued notices to 17 states, including Gujarat, asking them to set up exclusive courts where at least 10 NIA cases are pending. The apex court flagged delays in disposal of terror-related cases and stressed the need for dedicated judicial infrastructure.As of Feb 2026, while the NIA has designated over 50 special courts across India, only a handful function as exclusive courts dedicated solely to NIA cases. Based on recent Supreme Court proceedings and reports of the home ministry, only three such exclusive courts — in Ranchi, Jammu and Mumbai — were operational. In Jan 2026, Bihar also designated an exclusive NIA court in Patna, indicating a gradual shift towards specialized judicial mechanisms.Officials said the move is expected to significantly reduce pendency and ensure faster trials in sensitive cases, including terror conspiracies and organized crime with national security implications. One such matter cited during hearings was the al-Qaida Gujarat terror conspiracy case, where delays drew judicial concern.The Centre has also assured financial support for such courts. The ministry of home affairs will provide a one-time grant of Rs 1 crore for infrastructure and Rs 1 crore annually for recurring expenses.