Under the Constitution, police is a subject governed by states.[1] Therefore, each of the 29 states have their own police forces. The Centre is also allowed to maintain its own police forces to assist the states with ensuring law and order.[2] Therefore, it maintains seven central police forces and some other police organizations for specialized tasks such as intelligence gathering, investigation, research and record-keeping, and training.

[1] Entry 2, List II, Schedule 7, Constitution of India, 1950.

[2] Entry 2 and 2A, List I, Schedule 7, Constitution of India, 1950.

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