The National Investigation Agency, which failed to file its reply on a petition challenging its validity and powers to function has sought more time from the Bombay high court to file its reply.

A division bench comprising Justices J P S Hardas and Justice A M Thipsay granted the NIA time until March 5 to file its reply on the matter.

Sadhvi Pragya Singh, an accused in the Malegaon blasts case had moved the Bombay high court vide a writ petition challenging the constitution of the NIA. She had stated that NIA’s formation was unconstitutional and hence had no jurisdiction or right to investigate matters on terrorism.

She had stated that law and order is a subject matter of the state and hence a centralised agency could not probe the matter.

The NIA was to file its reply on January 14, but had failed to do so. It had also not cited reasons for the delay. However, on Monday, the NIA sought additional time to file its reply and it was granted by the court.