Supreme Court halts Lokpal's order allowing probe against High Court judges
PTC Web Desk: The Supreme Court on Thursday put a hold on a ruling by the Lokpal that claimed it had the authority to investigate High Court judges under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. Calling the decision "very disturbing," the apex court issued a notice to the Central Government and the Registrar of Lokpal.
The Supreme Court took up the matter suo moto after the Lokpal passed the order on January 27 while hearing two complaints against a sitting Additional Judge of a High Court. However, the court directed that the judge’s name should not be made public.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, argued that Lokpal’s interpretation was incorrect and that High Court judges do not fall within Lokpal’s jurisdiction.
The case revolves around allegations against a High Court judge, who was accused of influencing an Additional District Judge and another High Court judge handling a case filed by a company against the complainant. The complainant claimed that the judge had previously represented the company as a lawyer.
A Lokpal Bench led by Justice AM Khanwilkar ruled that High Court judges qualify as public servants under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, asserting that the law does not exclude judges from its scope. However, the Lokpal sought guidance from the Chief Justice of India before proceeding with further action.
In its statement, the Lokpal clarified: “We have solely decided the issue of whether High Court judges, established by an Act of Parliament, fall under Section 14 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013—and we have affirmed that they do.”
- With inputs from agencies
