Ahmedabad: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has designated a special court in Ahmedabad for the exclusive trial of cases investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), according to an official notification issued on March 17, 2026.

As per the notification, the Court of the Additional Principal Judge, City Civil Court, Ahmedabad, has been notified as a Special Court under Section 11 of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008. The court will exclusively try scheduled offences investigated by the NIA.

The Centre issued the notification in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court and the Government of Gujarat.

The notification further stated that the jurisdiction of the designated NIA Special Court will extend across the entire state of Gujarat.

The decision comes in the wake of recent directions from the Supreme Court of India, which in February issued notices to 17 states, including Gujarat, asking them to establish exclusive courts wherever at least 10 NIA cases are pending. The apex court expressed concern over delays in the disposal of terror-related cases and emphasized the need for dedicated judicial infrastructure.

Officials said the latest step is expected to help reduce case pendency and ensure faster trials in sensitive matters, including terror conspiracy cases and organised crime linked to national security. During recent hearings, the al-Qaida Gujarat terror conspiracy case was cited as an example where delays had raised judicial concern.

The Centre has also assured financial assistance for such courts. The Ministry of Home Affairs will provide a one-time grant of ₹1 crore for infrastructure and ₹1 crore per year for recurring expenditure. DeshGujarat