The Indian government has redefined its policy for providing high security to politicians and other prominent people.

As part of the new measures, the government says it will provide security only to those who genuinely face a threat from militants because of their official position.

Officials say the move is aimed at making security for politicians more effective and less inconvenient to the public.

Recently, the courts have taken a strong stand against abuses by bodyguards, saying they often harass the public and interfere with their rights. Analysts say the new measures, if implemented fully, are likely to bring some relief to the people living in the capital, Delhi, where some four hundred VIPs are based.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service