New Delhi - Three weeks after the Mumbai terrorist attacks, India's Parliament on Wednesday debated tougher anti-terrorism legislation and a plan to set up a federal investigative agency.

India's Home Minister P Chidambaram said the government sought a fair balance between fundamental rights and the authority of investigative agencies while framing the bills.

"I find nothing wrong in the new legislation and we support it in principle, but there are certain lacunae which need to be addressed," opposition leader LK Advani said in the Lok Sabha, or lower house of Parliament.

Advani said the government had caused great harm to the country by not bringing in stronger anti-terror legislation earlier.

The government rushed the proposed National Investigating Agency Bill and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill after the terrorist attacks on India's financial hub in November left more than 170 dead.

The amendment to the prevention law includes provisions extending the time police can hold suspects to 180 days, from the current 90 days, and allows for a financial clampdown on suspects.

Chidambaram urged lawmakers to approve the bills expeditiously and said the government would rectify any defects in the legislation in the next session of parliament scheduled to be held in February.

The current session is due to end on Tuesday.

The home minister acknowledged gaps in intelligence gathering and sharing which became evident after the Mumbai attacks. He said the government would address those as soon as possible. (dpa)