The CVCs choice

The nations top anti-corruption watchdog should have unimpeachable integrity,or else the very purpose of the institution gets undermined. Now with the Supreme Court allowing the resumption of trial in a 19-year-old palmolein import case,in which Central Vigilance Commissioner P.J. Thomas is an accused,we are facing an unprecedented situation: the very real and disturbing possibility of the CVC being prosecuted in a criminal case. Its a matter of regret that it has been allowed to come to this pass,with Thomas apparently unwilling to quit and the Centre more than willing to back its decision to choose him,even when the SC raised questions about his suitability to oversee the CBI investigation in the 2G spectrum case.

Even in the best of times,an episode like this doesnt bode well for a government. For the UPA,hemmed in by the oppositions allegations of wrongdoing,it has been particularly damaging. This is the time when the government should be coming down on corruption; not seen to be in any way indulgent of it. It erred when it appointed Thomas in spite of the reservations expressed by the leader of the opposition. The CVC is a constitutional post for which the consensus of the prime minister,home minister and the leader of the opposition is required to reinforce its bipartisan character; but the government went ahead with the appointment and then split hairs by saying that consensus didnt imply unanimity. The time has come for the UPA

to cease defending that decision,and remove its protective shield from Thomas.

Theres absolutely no presumption that Thomas is guilty. But even he must acknowledge that his past is coming in the way of his present job. Not just the palmolein case: the CVC having to recuse from a boldfaced case like that of the 2G spectrum is not in any way fitting. But Thomas,whose career included a tenure as telecom secretary in

A. Rajas ministry,had to do that as well. The CVCs independence and credibility has been hard-won,

over many years. We are entering a period where the office will see a great deal of visible work,where its stature will be crucial. Thomas will win many plaudits if,recognising

he is hobbled in his task,and for the sake of the offices credibility,he chooses to resign.