Supreme Court serves notice to CVC Thomas

NEW DELHI - The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to PJ Thomas, on a plea seeking his removal as Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC).

The apex court also issues notice to the government on the CVC issue. The apex court will now pronounce its final verdict on January 27, 2011.

A bench comprising Chief Justice S H Kapadia and Justices K S Radhakrishnan and Swatanter Kumar heard a public interest litigation challenging Thomas’s appointment to the constitutional post.

The two PILs-one filed by an NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation and other by the former CEC-have contended that Thomas was considered for the crucial post despite objection from the Leader of the Opposition who was part of a high-powerd committee for the appointment of CVC.

On Tuesday, the apex court pointed out that since the CBI functions under the overall supervision of the CVC, and therefore, it would be difficult for Thomas to objectively monitor the investigations.

However, senior counsel K K Venugopal appearing for the CBI, submitted that there was a provision for allowing one of the Vigilance Commissioners to take over the functions of the CVC.

The apex court had earlier asked the Central Government if Thomas could function effectively in view of various charges levelled against him.

“Without looking into the file, we are concerned that if a person is an accused in a criminal case how will he function as CVC,” a bench headed by Chief Justice S H Kapadia observed after Attorney General G E Vahanvati placed the file in a sealed cover before it.

The name of Thomas figures in the chargesheet filed in a palmoleine export case. (ANI)