No need to include state Ranbir Penal Code under NIA Act: Saroori

No need to include state Ranbir Penal Code under NIA Act: Saroori

Won’t let NIA to get sweeping powers in JK

Jammu, January 22: - Congress state Vice President and MLA Inderwal, G. M Saroori today said there is no need to include Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), the state’s criminal law under purview of the National Investigation Act (NIA).

Saroori said the statement made by Governor J&K N. N Vohra has created a flutter in Jammu and Kashmir, who favoured including Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) under the purview of NIA Act so that the central probe agency has sweeping powers to take over any case in the country.

He said Congress party completely opposed the sweeping powers to NIA to take suo motu cognizance of terror-related cases in the Jammu and Kashmir. He said that Congress party did not favour Vohra’s suggestion and said any move should not be allowed.

Saroori said when there are already laws in RPC which deals much better than Indian Penal Code (IPC) to tackle with criminals and terrorism then there is no need to include RPC under purview of NIA act. He also appreciated the J&K Police for doing excellent job under RPC and for efficiently dealing terror issues in the state. He said there is no reason to underestimate our own police and law.

He said in RPC Laws, NIA can take over any case registered under anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act as well as RPC but it requires permission of the state government before taking up the investigation in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Saroori saw the statement as a move to encroach upon the autonomy of the state. "This is an attempt to encroach on whatever autonomy is left," Saroori said.

MLA Inderwal said that Congress legislators won’t let NIA to get sweeping powers in JK as the state enjoys a special status whereby no Act can come into force automatically until it is ratified by the state Assembly.