He said it was for the party to decide whether it should give ticket to Tytler and he cannot comment because he "is neither the minister-in-charge nor the judge."

"I cannot pronounce anybody guilty or innocent," he said when asked by a TV channel whether it was proper for the party to give tickets to people like Tytler against whom questions have been raised.

"No, not at all. I don't think he intended to hurt me. He intended to provoke me. Why should I be provoked," he said in reply to a question whether he was scared by Tuesday's incident.

He also said that he did not expect the journalist to apologise to him personally as he has apologised and his employer called up to apologise. "I don't expect any further apology."

Asked if he felt that the journalist's action would rapture relations between media and politicians, the minister said "why, no, not at all. I think it was an emotional outburst by one journalist and I think we should allow it to rest."

To another question if this incident merited enhanced security for him, Chidambaram shot back saying "one PSO is one too many." Asked if he was sure, he said "hundred per cent sure."

On whether Tytler and Sajjan Kumar should be given tickets looking at the Sikh emotions, he said "I cannot answer the question. Because I am not the judge, I am not the court. I think it is quite improper for anyone to pronounce a person either guilty or innocent."

Chidambaram said his message to Sikh community would be that law has to take its course. Those who have been charge-sheeted have to be tried by court of law. Some will be punished and some will be acquitted either on technical grounds want of evidence.

"But the Sikh community must have faith to best of my knowledge no one in the government is trying to whitewash anything. No one is trying to pressure the court or to influence the court," he said.