It is alleged that Thomas could not be considered a person of “impeccable integrity” as he was chargesheeted in the palmoleine export scam when he was Kerala’s Secretary of Ministry of Food and Civil Supplies and had secured bail from the local court.
The PIL jointly filed by NGOs, Centre for Public Interest Litigation and Common Cause, has sought the apex court intervention to set aside the appointment of Thomas as CVC contending that despite objection from the Leader of the Opposition his name was considered for the post.
The PIL said he also could not be appointed CVC on account of the “conflict of interest” as till recently he was serving as secretary in the Telecom Ministry and there was allegation that he was involved in the cover-up of the 2G spectrum scam pending before the Supreme Court.
The NGOs have sought a direction to declare the appointment of Thomas illegal as there was alleged violation of Section 4 of Central Vigilance Commission Act. “The prime minister and the home minister recommended the name of Thomas for selection despite the fact that the leader of the Opposition objected to his name being selected. So, the leader of Opposition was forced to record her dissent. Hence, her presence was rendered meaningless in the appointment,” the petition said.
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