Following the raids in Malwani's Aksa cottages and being accused of moral policing, Mumbai police commissioner Rakesh Maria has written a strongly-worded letter to the force. Issued on Thursday, it states that the police have no business to pass comments on clothes worn by people and encroach in on their independence. The letter, subject of which is "Regarding improper conduct from the police at public places", has been addressed to police stations across the city.

"It has come to light that police officers and policemen, without any reason, make inquiries with girls, boys, women, men, who come to malls, the seaside, gardens, hotels and other public places. It has also come to light that policemen enter closed hotel rooms and flats and take action on couples under the Maharashtra Police Act," the letter stated.

"Officers and policemen, while doing patrolling, should not make comments or proffer how citizens should carry themselves and what clothes they should wear. The police do not have any right to interfere in the personal independence of citizens, but even then, such instances have occurred in Mumbai city."

In the letter, Maria has issued a stern warning to all members of the force that they should not engage in any acts due to which image of the police in the minds of people is stained.

"Earlier, instructions were given by the joint commissioner of police (law and order) that while taking any action under the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act, the related zonal deputy commissioner of police's permission must be sought. Action will be taken on officers and men involved in illegal activities," said the letter.

On August 6, the police had raided four beach lodges across Madh-Marve and rounded up13 couples and 35 others for indecent behaviour in public. The issue sparked off a massive controversy, after which a high-level probe was initiated into the matter.

A petition was also filed by Khar resident Sumeer Sabharwal, terming the raids "illegal, intrusive and unconstitutional" and seeking action against the policemen concerned. The petition sought investigation by an independent agency into the incident and for it to be monitored by the Bombay High Court. The state government on Thursday sought two weeks from the high court to justify the police action.