The Supreme Court on Thursday put a stay on the Lokpal's order, which asserted that it had the jurisdiction to investigate high court judges. The apex court termed the development "disturbing" and issued notices to the Centre, Lokpal office, and the complainant in the case.

What’s the Case?

The issue arose after the Lokpal passed an order based on two complaints against a sitting additional high court judge. The complaints alleged that the judge influenced an additional district judge and another high court judge in a case involving a private company. The allegations claim that the private company was previously a client of the accused judge when he was practicing as an advocate.

Lokpal’s Stand

In its ruling, the Lokpal bench, headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar, had stated that complaints and relevant materials should be forwarded to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) for his consideration. While awaiting the CJI’s guidance, the Lokpal deferred further proceedings for four weeks but maintained that high court judges do fall under the ambit of Section 14 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.

"By this order, we have decided a singular issue finally — whether judges of high courts established by an Act of Parliament come within the ambit of Section 14 of the Act of 2013, in the affirmative," the Lokpal had stated.

Supreme Court’s Intervention

The Supreme Court, however, found the Lokpal’s assertion problematic, leading to the stay on the order. The matter will now be examined further as the apex court seeks responses from key stakeholders, including the Central Government and the Lokpal Office.