The federal government has terminated the appointment of Pankaj Dwivedi as Government Director of Union Financial institution of India, efficient instantly. He has been directed to return to Punjab & Sind Financial institution, the place he beforehand held the publish of Basic Supervisor earlier than becoming a member of Union Financial institution in March 2024.
“We want to inform you that the Central Authorities … has cancelled the appointment of Shri Pankaj Dwivedi as Government Director of Union Financial institution of India and consequently he ceases to be the Government Director of the Financial institution with instant impact,” the financial institution said in an change be aware. The financial institution didn’t cite any motive for the federal government’s choice.
In August 2024, the Delhi Excessive Courtroom raised critical questions on his appointment regardless of the existence of a pending chargesheet for sexual harassment. The courtroom was listening to a public curiosity litigation (PIL) filed by the girl who levelled the allegations in opposition to him.
The PIL challenged Dwivedi’s appointment on the grounds that it allegedly bypassed necessary vigilance clearance, a key requirement for top-level postings in public sector banks. The petition was argued by Advocate Prashant Bhushan, who identified that appointing an official dealing with a chargesheet, and with out clearance from the Central Vigilance Fee (CVC), violated established norms governing appointments in public sector undertakings.
A division bench comprising Performing Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela had issued a proper discover in response to the petition. The bench expressed concern over how such an appointment was allowed to proceed within the absence of a clear vigilance report, highlighting the significance of transparency and due diligence in senior public appointments.
Dwivedi was appointed to the Government Director publish for a three-year time period beginning March 27, 2024. The courtroom’s scrutiny and questions over procedural lapses seem to have led to the swift cancellation of his appointment and reinstatement to his earlier position at Punjab & Sind Financial institution.
The case has drawn consideration to the significance of vigilance vetting in high-level authorities and public sector financial institution appointments, notably in instances involving critical allegations. Additional proceedings within the matter are anticipated to unfold within the Delhi Excessive Courtroom.
