The Delhi High Court has questioned the appointment of Pankaj Dwivedi as executive director of Union Bank of India. The court asked why Dwivedi received the position despite a pending sexual harassment chargesheet and a lack of approval from the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela raised concerns about the absence of vigilance clearance. They emphasized that, in the current environment, such clearance is essential. They warned that if the CVC denies clearance, the appointment should not proceed.
Central Government and CVC Ordered to Respond
The court issued notices to the central government, the CVC, and Pankaj Dwivedi. They must respond by October 4. The court also instructed that any necessary corrective measures should happen quickly.
The court is examining a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a woman who challenged Dwivedi’s appointment. She alleges Dwivedi sexually harassed her, leading to a chargesheet based on her complaint and FIR. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner, argued that rules require vigilance clearance for senior public sector bank posts. He pointed out that Dwivedi’s appointment proceeded without this clearance and that the CVC later denied it. Bhushan also claimed Dwivedi’s influence caused the petitioner’s transfer, which the High Court and the Supreme Court later overturned.
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