Thomas offers to recuse himself from CBI probe

Chief Vigilance Commissioner P J Thomas would keep out of the CBI investigation into the 2G spectrum scam, Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium, told the Supreme Court today.

CBI is supposed to work under CVC’s monitoring.

The controversial appointment of Thomas, made three months ago, had invited harsh remarks from Supreme Court judges yesterday. As a sequel, the solicitor general who represented the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) told the judges that “in accordance with the highest tradition, Thomas has offered to recuse himself from the matter”.

Thomas was appointed to the post despite his name figuring in the chargesheet relating to import of palmolein when he was serving in the Kerala government.

In another important development in the continuing hearing on the 2G spectrum scam, the court directed that the hard disk containing the conversation between corporate lobbyist Niira Radia and others related to the allocation of spectrum be handed over to it in a sealed cover.

The bench consisting of Justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly said in its order: “We direct that the original records and tapes/CDs be submitted in a sealed cover after preparing the copies. It will be kept in the lockers of the Supreme Court registry and, if required, it will be considered for its use,” the court said.

Earlier, the solicitor general offered to submit the tapes to the court for safe custody. Yesterday, counsel for the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, Prashant Bhushan, had expressed apprehension over the safety of the tapes because it involved conversation between Radia and top industrialists and politicians. The tapes, prepared by the director general of income tax, were leaked out and the contents published by two magazines. This has started another debate on the leakage of private conversation to the media.

Former communications minister A Raja, who is in the eye of the storm, submitted through his counsel T R Andhyarjina that he was silent all along because the matter was sub judice and it was not thought proper to issue statements on the allegations. His profile had been brought down by the media coverage when he was unable to defend himself. The arguments will continue tomorrow.

Earlier during the proceedings, the judges observed there was more than what met the eye. They remarked only 45 minutes were given to prospective licensees to submit documents, including a demand draft. They also noted that the Prime Minister had expressed his reservations but it was not treated with respect. Violating the requirements of collective responsibility, the whole affair was run like a private business, the judges observed.