SC stays Lokpal order on entertaining complaints against sitting HC judges

The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed a Lokpal order that allowed complaints against a sitting high court judge to be entertained, expressing serious concern over its implications for judicial independence.

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A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai, Surya Kant, and Abhay S Oka took cognizance of the issue and sought responses from the Centre, the Lokpal registrar, and the complainant.

"Issue notice to the Union of India, Registrar, Lokpal of India, and the complainant, returnable on March 18 at 10:30 am," the bench ordered.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, asserted that the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, does not apply to high court judges. The court, acknowledging the gravity of the matter, ordered a stay on the Lokpal's directive issued on January 27, 2025.

In addition, the Supreme Court directed the complainant to refrain from revealing the name of the judge involved and mandated confidentiality in the case.

"We injunct the complainant from disclosing the name of the judge against whom he has filed the complaint. The complainant is further directed to keep the complaint strictly confidential," the court stated.