M A I N   N E W S

CVC to stay away from 2G scam probe
Opts out, but makes it clear that he won’t quit
R Sedhuraman
Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, December 1
Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) PJ Thomas today opted out of monitoring the CBI investigations in the 2G Spectrum scam, but was non-committal on the demand that he should quit in the light of Supreme Court questioning his continuance in the post despite various charges levelled against him.

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. Thomas was the Telecom Secretary before his appointment as the CVC. Thomas “has offered to recuse himself” from the 2G case in order to maintain the “highest traditions,” Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium told a Bench of Justices GS Singhvi and AK Ganguly that was hearing a PIL on the issue.

Besides the two judges, a three-member Bench headed by Chief Justice SH Kapadia has earlier wanted to know as to how the CVC would discharge his functions as every litigant approaching the highest anti-corruption watchdog would object to Thomas as he was still an accused in the chargesheet relating to the palm oil scam.

Later in the day, the CVC told reporters that “I am continuing as the CVC” as the government had appointed him in that position. He refused to say anything further, citing a PIL pending in the SC challenging his appointment as the CVC.