Today, On 15th April, The Supreme Court heard a sensitive suo moto case on the Lokpal’s order allowing it to hear complaints against sitting High Court judges. Calling the development “something very very disturbing,” the court adjourned the matter to April 30.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court heard a sensitive suo moto matter involving a controversial order passed by the Lokpal of India.
This case concerns whether the Lokpal has the authority under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 to entertain complaints against sitting judges of High Courts, a question that has raised serious constitutional and legal concerns.
The issue arose after the Lokpal passed an order dated January 27, asserting that it has the power to entertain complaints against High Court judges under the 2013 Act.
This decision caused immediate concern, with the Supreme Court taking suo moto cognizance and staying the Lokpal’s order in an earlier hearing.
At that time, the Bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai, Surya Kant, and Abhay S. Oka observed that the order was not just unusual but deeply troubling.
Expressing alarm over the potential breach of judicial independence. The court had remarked,
“Something very very disturbing,”
Today during hearing the bench assembled nearly an hour late. As the proceedings began, Justice B.R. Gavai addressed the delay and stated,
“Sincere apologies. We were stuck in some difficulty.”
Realising the complexity and time sensitivity of the matter, Justice Gavai then said,
“Should we proceed today or should we keep on some other day? We’ll need at least 2 hours.”
After brief consideration, the court decided not to rush through the matter and instead adjourned the hearing.
The next date of hearing has been fixed for April 30 at 2 PM.
This case is of national significance as it addresses the powers granted to the Lokpal, an institution established to tackle corruption in public offices. The prospect of the Lokpal investigating or considering complaints against High Court judges raises important concerns regarding the separation of powers, judicial independence, and accountability within the judiciary.
The Supreme Court’s decision to intervene on its own initiative highlights the seriousness with which it approaches this issue. With the case now postponed, attention will focus on the April 30 hearing, where the court is anticipated to explore the legality and constitutional validity of the Lokpal’s order in greater depth.
This case could set an important example for the future by deciding whether bodies like the Lokpal, which are not full courts but have legal powers, can look into complaints against sitting High Court judges. It will also help decide what rules should be followed if such checking is allowed.
Lokpal is an anti-corruption investigating body in India that investigates complaints against public officials, including the Prime Minister, ministers, and other government functionaries. It was established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, to eradicate corruption at the highest levels of government.
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