Prashant Bhushan questions new CAG appointment.
- 5 years ago
India News: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan flayed the appointment of defence secretary Shashikant Sharma as Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) terming it as illegal, unconstitutional and likely to be challenged in a court of law.
Bhushan said that he would seriously consider challenging the appointment himself.
Bhushan's main contention was that Sharma had in the last 10 years held several sensitive positions in the defence ministry that dealt with significant procurements and appointing him as CAG would mean a conflict of interest.
The SC lawyer added that the appointment was in violation of the principle of institutional integrity that had been raised by the SC while quashing CVC P J Thomas's appointment.
Noting that there is no formal system for appointment or selection of CAG of India and government can appoint anybody, Bhushan demanded setting up of a "transparent system" for appointments to such watchdog posts.
Bhushan said that he would seriously consider challenging the appointment himself.
Bhushan's main contention was that Sharma had in the last 10 years held several sensitive positions in the defence ministry that dealt with significant procurements and appointing him as CAG would mean a conflict of interest.
The SC lawyer added that the appointment was in violation of the principle of institutional integrity that had been raised by the SC while quashing CVC P J Thomas's appointment.
Noting that there is no formal system for appointment or selection of CAG of India and government can appoint anybody, Bhushan demanded setting up of a "transparent system" for appointments to such watchdog posts.