The MHA order was issued on February 3, seeking to put all the intelligence agencies under the NCTC. The ministry issued the said order under the provisions of Article 73 of the Constitution. The order will adversely affect the rights given to the states for the maintenance of law and order, Modi said in his letter.

According to Modi, the notification implies that all the intelligence and probe agencies in the country will have to carry out an assisting role to the NCTC, which is also given the rights of arrest under unlawful activities (prevention act) and of searches.

He added that the Constitution had put the law and order and related powers in the state list.

“The Central government has not even cared to discuss with the state governments before issuing such an order, which is a straight violation of the federal spirit of the Constitution,” said a government release quoting the letter.

“The order will snatch the powers given to the states by the Constitution. And so, the order should be cancelled immediately and the states should be consulted first,” Modi was quoted as saying.