Integrity rule also for judicial posts, government tells court
By IANSMonday, November 22, 2010
NEW DELHI - The central government Monday told the Supreme Court that if the criterion of impeccable honesty and integrity in appointments to higher positions has to be followed in every case then all judicial postings would come under scrutiny.
Impeccable honesty and integrity is a criterion for all appointments under the constitution, Attorney General G. Vahanvati told the apex court bench headed by Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia.
The court earlier asked the government if Central Vigilance Commissioner P.J. Thomas could function effectively in view of various allegations against him.
The court wondered if a person who was an accused and facing a chargesheet could head a watchdog.
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.
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 opposition in the Lok Sabha.
