New Delhi, Dec 4 (IANS): Private detective agencies could soon be issued licences but only after verification of their antecedants, if the Private Detective Agencies (Regulation) Bill, 2007, which is being examined by the central government, eventually becomes a law.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Haribhai P. Choudhary Thursday said the bill "provides for requirement of licence to carry on or commence the business of private detective agency".

Choudhary was replying to a question from Goa's Rajya Sabha member Shantaram Naik.

"The bill also provides that an application for issue of licence shall only be considered from a person or persons after due verification of his antecedents," the minister was quoted as saying by a statement from Naik's office.

The statement, quoting the minister, also stated that the proposed law "also provides that a private detective agency shall ensure imparting of such training and skills to its private detective agents as may be prescribed by the central government".

As a means to safeguard the rights of privacy and freedom of an individual, the bill also provides for punishment, which includes imprisonment, fine and cancellation of licence, if any of the provisions of the proposed law are violated.