The Supreme Court has halted a Lokpal order attempting to bring sitting High Court judges under its jurisdiction, raising concerns over judicial independence.
A three-judge Bench, headed by Justice B.R. Gavai, will examine the issue on Thursday. The Supreme Court has taken suo motu notice of the Lokpal’s directive to investigate High Court judges. This development raises significant legal and constitutional questions. The hearing is expected to clarify the scope of Lokpal’s jurisdiction over the judiciary.
The Lokpal of India has ruled that neither the Chief Justice of India nor Supreme Court judges fall under its jurisdiction as per the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. This decision clarifies that judges are not included in the list of individuals the Lokpal can investigate, as they are financially and administratively independent from the Central Government.
The Lokpal has dismissed a corruption complaint against former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, citing lack of jurisdiction. The anti-corruption Inspector clarified that sitting judges and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court do not fall within its purview under Section 14 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act. This provision restricts the Lokpal’s authority to probe complaints against such high-ranking judicial officials.
The Lokpal instructed complainants to submit verified evidence to support corruption allegations against SEBI chief Madhabi Puri Buch, citing a Hindenburg Research report. They must file an affidavit within three weeks, addressing questions on the authenticity of claims and prior investments under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
On Friday( 19th July), Lokpal rejected a complaint against PM Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi, citing lack of substantial evidence. The complaint alleged receipt of black money from industrialists Adani and Ambani based on a campaign speech by Modi. The decision emphasized the speech’s speculative nature and lack of concrete evidence, leading to the dismissal of the complaint.
Today, On 10th May, The Delhi High Court sought the Lokpal’s response on JMM’s objection to the CBI’s order to investigate party assets. The court added Lokpal as a respondent, urging a significant legal review. The JMM contends that the order exceeds Lokpal’s jurisdiction, as it should only investigate individuals, not political parties. The case is scheduled for a hearing on July 20.