Should intelligence agencies be made accountable to legislature?

• intelligence agencies were effectively brought under parliamentary oversight in many democratic countries, improving their efficiency and accountability

• lack of a legal basis in India is in fact impacting on the functions of the agencies
• objective of his bill is to introduce a legislative and regulatory framework for the Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing and the National Technical Research Organization

Salient features of private member bill

• National Intelligence Tribunal for the investigation of complaints against these agencies
• National Intelligence and Security Oversight Committee for an effective oversight mechanism of these agencies
• intelligence ombudsman for efficient functioning of the agencies

Counterpoints

• all efforts should be to strengthen the government, as the country is facing security threats from different players and countries
• parliamentary oversight should not become a hurdle for the intelligence agencies to carry out their activities effectively, because intelligence agencies are bodies which help the government to achieve its goals
• intelligence agencies, if they end up in regular interactions with the members of Parliament, there exists a possibility of the executive power being weakened in matters of vital security
• yardstick for introducing oversight mechanisms for intelligence agencies should be how it would help India in tackling the threat of terrorism in a more effective and efficient manner.