The Delhi High Court has asked the Central Government to explain the appointment of Pankaj Dwivedi as the Executive Director of Union Bank of India, following a public interest litigation challenging the decision.
The petitioner claims that Dwivedi’s appointment in March violated rules requiring vigilance clearance, which he did not receive due to being charge-sheeted in a sexual harassment case.
A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan issued notices to the Centre, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), and Dwivedi, questioning how the appointment could proceed without approval from the vigilance authority. “How can this be? File your response. Big picture will have to be looked into. If a person has been denied vigilance clearance, how can he be (appointed)?” the bench, which also included Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, stated.
The court emphasized that the vigilance authority’s report must be respected and that corrective actions should be taken promptly. The counsel representing the Centre assured the court that necessary measures would be implemented if required.
The petitioner’s lawyer argued that vigilance clearance is mandatory for board-level appointments in public sector banks and that it cannot be granted if someone is charge-sheeted in a sexual harassment case. Despite the petitioner’s objections when Dwivedi was first recommended for the position, he was appointed without the required clearance.
The petitioner’s counsel insisted that Dwivedi should not be allowed to remain in the position, stating, “This is an open and shut case. He can’t continue.”
The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 4.
