KT Thomas quits Lokpal Search Committee

New Delhi, March 3:In a major embarassment for the government, the head of the Lokpal Search Committee K T Thomas has resigned from the post, saying that the committee was not allowed to take any independent decision and has to nominate from the list provided by the government.

In a letter to the PM's office Justice KT Thomas said,"I wonder why there should be a Search Committee at all."He further pointed that the Search Committee's nominations can be vetoed by the committee headed by the Prime Minister.

Last week, renowned jurist Fali Nariman turned down the government's invitation to be part of the Search Committee, alleging that the government's move was a farse. The Lokpal Bill is meant to include four former or working judges. Llegal experts, however, object to the fact that these judges have to apply for the post.

K T Thomas retired from the Supreme Court in 2002. [Read full report]