The Supreme Court has quashed the appointment of P J Thomas as Central Vigilance Commissioner. The Apex Court said that the high-powered committee’s recommendation on appointment of Thomas does not exist in law. It said, the committee, for whatsoever reason, failed to consider relevant material recommending action against Thomas.The court rejected government's contention that vigilance clearance given by the CVC in 2008 was the basis for empanelment of Thomas as a candidate for the post of CVC.Supreme Court said, the committee and no government authority focussed on larger issue of institutional integrity of the office of CVC while recommending the name of Thomas. It said, the touchstone for the appointment of the CVC is the institutional integrity as well as the personal integrity of the candidate.The court said, any future appointment should not be restricted to civil servants alone but people of impeccable integrity from other fields should also be considered.Apex court rejected the contention of Thomas and the government that the appointment of the CVC cannot be brought under judicial review. Supreme Court said, legality of the recommendation can be brought under judicial review.BJP today said that Supreme Court's verdict on P J Thomas's appointment as the CVC is the biggest blow to the UPA government. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, party spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy termed the decision as historic. He said it vindicates his party's position. Mr. Rudy said the leader of the opposition Sushma Swaraj who is a member in the CVC selection process had opposed the appointment from the very beginning.Senior BJP leader Murli Manohar joshi today said Home minister P Chidambram should take moral responsibility in the CVC appointment issue. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Mr. Joshi said as the head of the committee appointing the CVC, Chidambaram should have presented all the facts regarding P J Thomas. He said government has committed an avoidable mistake.CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said that the matter does not end with the resignation of CVC. Mr. Yechury said government must answer how the appointment was made despite so much opposition.CPI today termed the verdict of the Supreme Court on the cancellation of appointment of CVC as another blow to the central government. Talking to reporters outside Parliament, CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta said the government has lost its credibility and the Prime Minister appears to be disrespectful to the people of the country. Law Minister Veerapa Moily said that the Prime Minister has done nothing wrong. Reacting to the Supreme Court's decision on CVC, Mr. Moily said that the government will look into the order and rectify procedural things. He however said the government respects the Court's verdict.