New Delhi, Aug 3 (IANS): The central government Wednesday said it is considering appealing to the Supreme Court over its directions to Chhattisgarh to desist from recruiting tribals as Special Police Officers for the anti-Maoist operations.

Home Minister P. Chidambaram said in reply to questions in the Rajya Sabha that his ministry was looking at the option of going back to the Supreme Court for clarification or review of its directions. "We will take a decision in the next few days."

Agreeing with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Ravi Shankar Prasad that the apex court order has long-term implications, the minister said he has advised the Chhattisgarh government to approach the matter with caution and care.

Chidambaram said the elaborate judgment of the apex court has directions on how these SPOs (special police officers) could be engaged and where they should not. He added that certain directions have also been given to the central government.

"We are examining in consultation with the ministry of law and state governments," he said.

Chidambaram said the Chhattisgarh government has promulgated an ordinance to train and regularise some sections of the SPOs.