The government today said "extensive consultations" with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) were in "public interest", after reports said it has started discussions on Section 7 of the RBI Act, a never-before-used rule that allows the centre to give instructions to the central bank's chief. In a statement, the finance ministry said such consultations with the RBI took place from time to time as both sides "have to be guided by public interest and the requirements of the Indian economy."