HC dismisses petition by former CVC PJ Thomas

KOCHI: Kerala High Court on Friday dismissed a petition filed by former Central Vigilance Commissioner PJ Thomas, seeking to quash proceedings against him in the 1991-92 Palmolein import case, which reportedly caused a loss of Rs 2.32 crore to the state exchequer.

Dismissing the petition, Justice S Sateeshchandran said it was 'meritless'.

"The petitioner can approach the trial court-- Vigilance court at Thiruvananthapuram for discharge from the case."

The Vigilance court had included Thomas as eighth accused.

Seeking to quash the proceedings pending against him, Thomas moved the court, complaining he was made accused in connection with implementation of a cabinet decision 21 years ago.

The court also rejected his plea that import of Palmolein occurred two decades ago and the case is based by limitation.

The Supreme Court had on March 3 last year set aside the appointment of Thomas as Central Vigilance Commissioner.

The Apex Court had termed as "illegal" the Sept 3, 2010 recommendation for appointment of Thomas as CVC since the high-powered committee did not consider the pending charge sheet against him in the palmolein import scam.

The decision to import palmolein was taken when Congress led UDF government under K Karunakaran was in power.