The Supreme Court on Tuesday announced it would convene on April 15 to discuss the contentious issue of the Lokpal’s jurisdiction in handling complaints against sitting high court judges. This decision comes in the wake of suo motu proceedings initiated by the apex court concerning a Lokpal order dated January 27.
The three-judge special bench, consisting of Justices B R Gavai, Surya Kant, and Abhay S Oka, has appointed senior advocate Ranjit Kumar as amicus curiae to aid the court in this critical examination. The proceedings were spurred by concerns that the Lokpal’s decision could significantly impact the independence of the judiciary—a foundational element of the democratic system.
On February 20, the Supreme Court had temporarily halted the Lokpal order, labeling it as “very, very disturbing.” The apex court had subsequently issued notices seeking responses from various stakeholders, including the Centre, the Lokpal registrar, and the individual who lodged the complaints against the high court judge in question.
During earlier hearings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, argued that high court judges should not fall within the purview of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. This position underscores the ongoing debate about the extent of the Lokpal’s authority and its implications for judicial independence.
The issue originated from two complaints filed against an additional judge of a high court, which the Lokpal decided to entertain. This move by the Lokpal has prompted the Supreme Court to scrutinize whether such actions are in alignment with the intended role and boundaries set for the anti-corruption body by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act.
