The Bench headed by Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal asked the Government to constitute a Police Complaints Authority at the district and State level to inquire into allegations and complaints against police officers and personnel at various levels.

The court ordered that the Centre should comply with its directions. States and Union Territories should comply with its directions before December 31, 2006 and sought compliance reports from the Cabinet Secretary and the respective Chief Secretaries by January 3, 2007.

Passing the directions while dealing with a PIL filed by a retired IPS official seeking a revamp of the police machinery in the country, the Bench also asked the Centre and the NHRC to file their replies on the plea for entrusting crime like terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering, smuggling of weapons, counterfeit currency and other trans-national mafia activities to the CBI.

The Bench, which passed the directions after examining three expert committee reports, ordered the setting up of a National Security Commission for selection and placement of chiefs of the various Central Police Organisations who should be appointed for a minimum tenure of two years.

The Commission which the court suggested could be headed by the Union Home Minister would also review periodically the measures to upgrade the effectiveness of these forces and personnel.

At every State and Union Territory, the Apex Court ordered that there should be State Security Commissions to ensure that the Government does not exercise unwarranted influence or pressure on the state police.

The body at the State-level to be headed by the Chief Minister or the Home Minister should also choose independent members like sitting or retired judges nominated by the High Court Chief Justice, Leader of the Opposition, Chief Secretary and three non-political citizens of proven merit and integrity.

The Bench directed to set up a Police Establishment Board in each state, which shall decide all transfers, postings, promotions and other service related matters of the personnel.

To ensure speedier investigations of crime related matters, the Bench asked the government to separate the law and order duties from the investigation duties, but at the same time ensure proper coordination between the two wings.

The separation to start with may be effected in towns, urban areas, which have a population of 10 lakhs or more and gradually extend the pattern to smaller towns and urban areas also, the Bench said.