Can Thomas be an effective CVC, asks Supreme Court

NEW DELHI - The Supreme Court Monday asked the central government if Central Vigilance Commissioner P.J. Thomas could function effectively in view of various charges hurled against him.

The apex court bench headed by Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia wondered if a person who is an accused and facing a chargesheet could head a watchdog body.

The court asked the attorney general to be prepared to argue the case on these lines when it comes up for hearing after two weeks.

In the meanwhile, the government has handed over to the court all details regarding Thomas’ appointment, including consultations between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Home Minister P. Chidambaram and Sushma Swaraj, leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha.