Thomas decides to stay on as Central Vigilance Commissioner

NEW DELHI - Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) P. J. Thomas on Thursday defended himself against reports on his inaction during the 2G scam and said he would continue as CVC.

“No, no, there is nothing, I am not at the thick of the controversy. As I mentioned earlier, I am continuing as CVC, maybe on media; they discuss various things,” said Thomas.

A bench comprising Justices G. S. Singhvi and A. K. Ganguly stated that since the probe relates to the decisions taken by the Department of Telecommunications, when Thomas was Secretary, “it would be quite difficult for him” to oversee the CBI investigations.

The Supreme Court’s statement came in response to the contention of CBI counsel K. K. Venugopal that CBI investigations could be monitored only by a statutory authority, which happened to the CVC.

However, Thomas refused to put in his papers and did not comment on the pending cases against him and the Supreme Court’s remarks on him.

“There is no controversy, there is no controversy surrounding me. Cases pending, you know, we can’t comment because it is a sub-judicial matter. Let the court take appropriate decision, we will definitely able by the decision of the court,” said Thomas.

On same day, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also sought the resignation of Thomas by contending he has not been performing his designated duties.

Thomas, however, says that the charges against him are baseless, as he was not the Telecom Secretary when the scam took place.

“In the absence of any charge of corruption against me, obviously, I am morally very clear, and my conscience is very clear even now. In the 2G spectrum case, whatever has happened is not in my period (tenure),” said Thomas.

“You remember, the period you are talking is from October or September 2007 to January 2008, I was the Chief secretary Government of Kerala,” he added. (ANI)