No question of Thomas continuing: Moily

Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily Friday said P.J. Thomas could not continue as central vigilance commissioner (CVC) after the Supreme Court ruled his appointment as illegal.

“There is no question of him (Thomas) continuing as it (his appointment) has been declared a nullity and illegal by the Supreme Court,” Moily told reporters outside parliament, a day after the apex court order.

Asked if the government needed to issue a notification in this regard, he said: “The notification will be issued saying the post is vacant.”

About the appointment of a new CVC, Moily said: “That is a process which the government has to take.”

The Supreme Court Thursday struck down the appointment of Thomas as head of India’s top anti-corruption watchdog over his alleged involvement in a corruption case, six months after he was appointed to the post.

Moily had Thursday said Thomas has tendered resignation following the apex court order – though Wills Mathews, Thomas’ counsel, had denied the claim.