CVC may be quizzed over alleged role in coal scam

Uncertainty seems to be looming over the present chief of Central Vigilance Commission’s continuity following his alleged role in the coal allocation scam.

Retired IAS officer and CVC chief Pradeep Kumar has served the coal ministry in 2006 and headed the 34th screening committee which allocated 15 coal blocks which are currently being probed by the CBI.

Some of the companies that got coal blocks during his tenure are Hindalco, Tata Power, Essar Power and Jindal Steel and Power Ltd.

According to the law ministry officials, an opinion was sought by top law officer who said there is no illegality in questioning the CVC, if required. But this could prove to be extremely embarrassing for the ruling UPA government already been singed by the PJ Thomas case. Following the Supreme Court order, the former CVC chief PJ Thomas had to step down because he was being investigated in the Palmolein oil import scam.

The apex court while dealing with the Thomas case had focused on larger issue of institutional integrity of the office of CVC and had said, “Any future appointment should not be restricted to civil servants alone but people of impeccable integrity from other fields should also be considered.

It rejected the contention of Thomas and the government that the appointment of the CVC cannot be brought under judicial review. SC says legality of the recommendation can be brought under judicial review.

However, the CBI has vehemently denied that it sought any such opinion from the law ministry.

CBI spokesperson Dharini Mishra said, “No reference has been mad e by CBI to the solicitor general in connection with coal related cases under investigation and, therefore, no such opinion has been received by CBI in this matter.”

The opinion was sought to overcome a tricky situation since the CVC has powers to oversee the CBI’s functioning in corruption cases.