SC questions lack of transparency in appointment of CVC, VCs

The apex court asked the Centre to file its response by October 9

The Supreme Court today rapped the Centre for lack of transparency in the selection process of Chief Vigilance Commissioner and Vigilance Commissioners, following which government gave the assurance that no final decision will be taken without its nod.

Raising questions on lack of transparency in the selection process of CVC and VCs, the court said this promotes "favouritism and nepotism" and asked why only bureaucrats are picked for the posts and not common people.

"Transparency should be the hall mark of such selection procedure and existing system is being criticised because of lack of transparency," a bench headed by Chief Justice R M Lodha said, adding, "Every system which confines to an in-house procedure for selection is criticised by people for lack of transparency".

The bench, also comprising justices Kurian Joseph and R F Nariman, said, "Pool of talent is there in the country and people want transparency. Why should you adopt a procedure that deprives sunlight to reach people who are talented but not considered."

"Lack of transparency promotes nepotism and favouritism and many deserving people don't get a chance of being considered," the bench said.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi submitted that application cannot be invited from people for the post as many people prefer to be considered by the Centre for the post rather then apply for it.

He said that selection process would take at least one month time to complete and assured the court that "no final decision would be taken on appointment during the pendency of the case in the apex court".

The apex court, after hearing his plea, asked the Centre to file its response by October 9 and posted the case for final hearing on October 14.