On March 18, the Supreme Court will hold a hearing regarding a case concerning the Lokpal’s order related to complaints against sitting high court judges. This matter has gained attention because the Supreme Court previously put a hold on the Lokpal’s decision, expressing concerns about the independence of the judiciary.
The three-judge panel, which includes Justices B R Gavai, Surya Kant, and Abhay S Oka, is set to hear the case. The Supreme Court intervened after receiving complaints directed at a sitting judge, cautioning the complainant to keep the judge’s name confidential.
The Lokpal had earlier ordered that complaints involving a sitting high court judge be sent to the Chief Justice of India for review. The Lokpal stated that it would hold off on further action for four weeks while awaiting guidance from the Chief Justice.
In some of the allegations, the judge is accused of influencing decisions in favor of a private company, which had previously been a client during the judge’s time in private practice. These complaints have raised questions about the accountability of judges under the Lokpal Act, leading to a significant legal discussion regarding whether judges are covered by this legislation.
The outcome of the Supreme Court’s hearing could have important implications for the judiciary’s accountability and the interpretation of the Lokpal Act when it comes to high court judges.
