Under increasing pressure from allies like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on the misuse of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, the government on Thursday constituted a review committee to ensure that provisions of the Act were not misused.
 
Arun Saharya, former chief justice of Punjab and Haryana high court, would head the committee.

Making the announcement in the Lok Sabha, Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani said the names of other members of the committee and its terms and conditions would be announced soon.

He said the review committee would ensure that the provisions of POTA were invoked to combat terrorism and "are not used against ordinary criminals or those who are not terrorists."

The announcement has come at a time when the DMK is becoming restive over the issue and is demanding the release of Tamil Nationalist Liberation Army leader, P Nedumaran, and MDMK leader Vaiko, who are in detention under POTA.