Prime Minister takes responsibility for Thomas' appointment as CVC

Jammu, Mar 4(ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Friday said that he accepted responsibility for choosing P.J. Thomas as the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC).

"I have already said I respect the judgement of the Supreme Court. I accept my responsibility," Dr. Singh said.

Thomas, who is facing a corruption case in a Kerala court, handed over his resignation to the government on Thursday after the Supreme Court struck down his appointment as the CVC.

A three-judge bench headed by the Chief Justice of India S.H. Kapadia delivered its verdict on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought removal of Thomas from the position of CVC.

The apex court, which had on February 10 reserved its on petitions challenging the appointment of Thomas, said that the appointment was illegal and that he must go. The apex court further said that criminal case should have been considered.

The Centre for Public Interest Litigation, an NGO and others had earlier challenged Thomas's appointment as the CVC, quoting the Palmolein import corruption case in which Thomas is an accused. (ANI)