Above the fray?

Even as the Supreme Court pointed out the inherent difficulty of Chief Vigilance Commissioner P.J. Thomas being an objective overseer of the investigations into the 2G spectrum scandal,given that he as telecom secretary was an inextricable part of the story,Thomas has refused to resign from the post. Instead,he offered to cut himself out of this particular investigation. The government seems to think this is good enough never mind the fact that the 2G investigation is the biggest case the commission is likely to confront,and that recusing oneself from delicate matters,in which one is implicated to greater or lesser extent,would shred the dignity of the office. Thomas has also not been cleared in the long-pending Kerala palmolein import scandal.

Though Thomas maintains that his conscience is clear and that he intends to carry on with his new job,this situation was entirely avoidable. The government has directly demeaned the office of the CVC by allowing questions to be raised about the impartiality of the person appointed to helm it,and by perverting the process of appointment by not including the leader of the opposition in winning a consensus. This is especially because perception is everything in this case. Since the mid-90s,the Central Vigilance Commission has been strengthened as a statutory body,meant to direct and supervise the CBIs functioning and implement the Prevention of Corruption Act. It is the highest vigilance institution in the country,and its mandate stretches to high-ranking public servants across all Central government departments. It is meant to guide and judge other authorities in Central organisations and the states on their vigilance duties. It is also set to assume the powers to protect whistleblowers. It is guaranteed independence,is answerable only to Parliament and the CVC cannot be summarily dismissed by the government of the day. This freedom from executive interference means that the CVC has to be entirely above the shadow of reproach,the offices entire moral weight rests on it. Even the slightest tinge of suspicion is not permissible.

It is up to the CVC himself to protect the credibility of the job,and reassure the public of its inviolability. Certainly,the government that appointed him is more to blame,and it may be unfortunate that Thomas finds this tremendous responsibility asked of him. But the country cannot afford to have its premier vigilance institution open to question. Too much rests on his job. Thomas must honour his newly acquired post by quitting.