This would be curtailed only under exceptional circumstances or for administrative exigencies, which would be recorded in writing.

Besides, the law and order maintenance wing of the police would henceforth be separated from the investigation wing.

Last week Friday, the apex court also sought an explanation on an allegation by the Union Public Service Commission that the government was not cooperating with it in carrying out its task assigned by the court on the issue of police reform.

Asked about the UPSC allegation, Chidambaram told IANS that the government would file its reply to the court.

The apex court had issued notice to the union and state governments, seeking their response to the UPSC allegation.

The UPSC, in its application, had recalled that the apex court had assigned the issue of appointment of police chiefs in various states and union territories to it.