Taking politics out of statutory appointments

The acrimonious debate on the selection and appointment procedure for the Lok Pal and state Lok Ayuktas highlights the need for insulating statutory and constitutional positions from the executive’s sole decision-making powers. It was only after the judicial intervention of the Supreme Court calling for transparency in the selection of the Chief Vigilance Commissioner that the controversy surrounding P J Thomas’ appointment was finally laid to rest. However, that controversy was emblematic of the serious gaps in the process of appointments to key government offices, and of the growing politicisation of the selection process.

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