Thomas to quit in next 48 hours

New Delhi, Dec 4: Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) P J Thomas may put in his resignation papers in the next 48 hours, ahead of Supreme Court's hearing on his controversial appointment.

Thomas who was earlier reported to resign on Dec 1 stood his stand and refused to resign and said, "government has appointed me as CVC. I am continuing as CVC."

Thomas was the Former Secretary of State in Kerala's Ministry of Food and Civil Supplies. He is also accused of seeking permission from the Centre for importing 15,000 tonnes of Palmolein, nine days before the Cabinet actually took the decision. "I was merely implementing the Cabinet decision," is what Thomas had to say on this.

His tenure has been marked by controversies following the 2G spectrum scam. His appointment as CVC was questioned by the SC as he was telecom secretary when the 2G spectrum scam broke out. The apex court pointed out whether his views on the matter can be taken into account during the CBI's enquiry on the spectrum scam,since he was accused in the Palmolein scam and still pending verdict.

A bench of Justices GS Singhvi and Ashok Kumar Ganguly pointed out that CVC falls under the purview of the CBI and expressed doubt if Thomas will be objectively able to monitor the investigations.

He was appointed CVC by a three-member panel that included Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

OneIndia News