Government worried over CVC Thomas' refusal to resign

NEW DELHI: In a development that could complicate matters for the government in the Supreme Court, Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) PJ Thomas has yet not tendered his resignation to the president. The apex court is expected to take up the petition challenging the suitability of a tainted official heading the commission on Monday.

CVC’s refusal to put in his papers is a cause of worry for the government. At a meeting convened by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday, there was acknowledgement that Thomas’ continuation as CVC had become untenable.

The prime minister was in agreement with this view put forth by Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal. A high-level meeting chaired by Singh on Friday too reaffirmed the view that Thomas should vacate the post.

The CVC seems to be emboldened by the view that the solicitor general had taken in the court on Wednesday saying Thomas has recused himself from the 2G case in the “highest traditions of civil services”. On his part, Thomas has been maintaining that the Palmolein case against him is not consistent with law.

The government leadership is, however, worried over his decision to continue as the apex court had earlier wondered how a person accused in a criminal case could hold a post that deals with agencies like CBI. The apex court taking a strong view against Thomas’ continuance as CVC is quite real as the government is yet to dispose of the petition seeking permission for his prosecution in the Palmolein case.

The Opposition is certain to rake up the issue in Parliament on Monday. As the appointment was made overruling the reservation of Sushma Swaraj—a member of the three-member selection panel—the BJP can be expected to use the issue to embarrass the government.