New Delhi (ABC Lie): India’s National Counter-Terrorism Policy & Strategy — PRAHAAR  is the first clear doctrine that brings India’s counter-terror system under one structured plan.

For many years, India relied on laws such as TADA, POTA, and later UAPA. In addition, after the 26/11 attacks, the government strengthened the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and improved intelligence sharing through the Multi Agency Centre (MAC). However, these changes developed step by step. They did not form a single unified doctrine.

Now, PRAHAAR brings these measures together. As a result, India moves from reactive lawmaking to a planned strategy.

Yet, even though codification improves clarity, it does not end constitutional debate. Therefore, an important question remains:

Does PRAHAAR balance national security with civil liberties, federal balance, and rule of law?

To answer this, we must examine both its strengths and its limits.

What PRAHAAR Sets Out to Achieve

PRAHAAR organises counter-terror policy around seven pillars

  1. Prevention
  2. Response
  3. Capacity building
  4. Human rights and rule of law
  5. Counter-radicalization
  6. International cooperation
  7. Recovery and resilience

Because these pillars connect, the doctrine creates a systems-based approach. In other words, it links intelligence, law, and community efforts under one framework.

Intelligence-Led Prevention: Strong Direction, Limited Oversight

First, PRAHAAR places intelligence at the centre of prevention. Specifically, it strengthens:

  • Intelligence Bureau coordination
  • Multi Agency Centre (MAC)
  • Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI)

Moreover, it clearly recognises modern threats such as:

  • Drone misuse
  • Cyber attacks
  • Encrypted messaging
  • Crypto funding
  • CBRNED risks

Why This Is a Positive Step

Previously, security responses were often reactive. By contrast, PRAHAAR focuses on disruption before attack. Therefore, India aligns more closely with global best practice.

Furthermore, this intelligence-first model supports wider police modernisation. ABC Live discussed this in its earlier analysis on Smart Policing in India:
https://abclive.in/2025/10/06/smart-police-in-india/

However, Oversight Remains Weak

At the same time, intelligence power must be supervised. Unlike the UK or the US, India does not have:

  • A parliamentary intelligence committee
  • An independent reviewer of terror laws
  • A clear surveillance approval statute

Consequently, courts often become the main safeguard. While judicial review is strong, preventive oversight would provide a better balance.

Institutional Coordination: Clearer Roles, Yet Federal Questions

Next, PRAHAAR defines operational roles more clearly. It sets:

  • Local police as first responders
  • NSG as a national force
  • NIA as the central investigator
  • CAPFs as support forces

Operational Benefits

Because roles are defined, confusion is reduced. In addition, coordination improves through standard procedures.

Federal Tension

However, police and public order belong to the State List (Article 246). Therefore, expanded NIA power increases central control. Although this may improve speed, it may also create tension.

For this reason, structured Union–State dialogue becomes necessary.

Legal Framework: Aligned but Still Debated

PRAHAAR operates within:

  • UAPA
  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
  • Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
  • Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
  • PMLA, Arms Act, Explosives Act

Strength

Legal alignment across new codes improves clarity. In addition, terror funding receives focused attention.

Ongoing Legal Concerns

Nevertheless, debate continues around:

  • Strict bail standards
  • Long pre-trial detention
  • Individual designation powers
  • Article 21 safeguards

If trials are delayed, detention may feel punitive. Therefore, faster prosecution becomes essential for constitutional balance.

Human Rights: Clear Language, Limited Structure

PRAHAAR affirms:

  • Rule of Law
  • Universal Declaration of Human Rights
  • ICCPR

This is important. However, the doctrine does not provide:

  • Independent legislative review
  • Sunset clauses
  • Mandatory parliamentary reports
  • Clear digital surveillance rules

As a result, rights depend largely on court review after action is taken.

Counter-Radicalisation: A Preventive Shift

Importantly, PRAHAAR expands beyond enforcement. It promotes:

  • De-radicalisation programs
  • Community outreach
  • Prison safeguards
  • Youth empowerment

Because of this, the doctrine shows maturity. It accepts that social prevention matters.

However, without clear definitions of “radicalisation,” enforcement risks inconsistency. Therefore, legal clarity remains necessary.

Technology & Surveillance: Recognised but Under-Specified

PRAHAAR openly addresses digital and hybrid threats. Therefore, it reflects awareness of modern risk.

However, surveillance must meet constitutional standards of:

  1. Legality
  2. Necessity
  3. Proportionality
  4. Safeguards

Although courts protect privacy rights, PRAHAAR does not detail approval mechanisms. Consequently, further reform may be required.

Global Comparison: Strong in Action, Moderate in Oversight

Country Intelligence Oversight Independent Reviewer
USA Congressional Committees No
UK Parliamentary + Independent Reviewer Yes
France Judicial Authorization No
India Limited statutory structure No

Thus, India’s operational system is strong. However, oversight mechanisms remain lighter than in some democracies.

Final Assessment: Progress with Preconditions

Overall, PRAHAAR represents clear progress. It modernises threat response, strengthens coordination, and integrates prevention.

However, long-term constitutional stability will depend on:

  • Parliamentary intelligence oversight
  • Independent review of terror enforcement
  • Time-bound trials
  • Clear surveillance safeguards
  • Structured Union–State consultation
  • Balanced bail standards

In short, security reform must move together with accountability reform.

Why ABC Live Is Publishing This Analysis

Counter-terror policy shapes:

  • Liberty and security balance
  • Federal relations
  • Surveillance norms
  • Criminal justice fairness
  • India’s democratic image

Therefore, ABC Live examines PRAHAAR not only as a security policy but also as constitutional architecture.

National security must be firm. At the same time, constitutional balance must remain protected.

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