Justice K T Thomas abandon as head of Lokpal search panel

In a major embarrassment for the government, former Supreme Court judge K T Thomas has quit as the head of Lokpal search panel.

The Lokpal search committee comprises eight members, with former Supreme Court judge K T Thomas heading the panel.

Thomas’ move to quit the Lokpal search committee is the latest controversy over appointing the anti-corruption ombudsman.

On Thursday, the eminent jurist Fali S Nariman had declined to be part of the process to select India’s first Lokpal, saying the selection process was such that the “most competent” and “most independent” would get overlooked.

Last month, the BJP opposed the Prime Minister’s choice of Supreme Court lawyer P P Rao for the committee. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj described Rao as a “Congress loyalist”, and took the matter to the President. The BJP had earlier questioned the manner in which applications were invited for the posts of chairperson and members of the Lokpal.