New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India (SC) today announced that it will hear arguments on April 15 regarding suo motu proceedings initiated over the Lokpal’s order on entertaining complaints against sitting high court judges.
A special bench of three judges, consisting of Justices B R Gavai, Surya Kant, and Abhay S Oka, directed senior advocate Ranjit Kumar to assist the court as an amicus curiae in the matter.
The proceedings stem from the Lokpal’s order issued on January 27, which the top court had stayed on February 20, expressing concerns that it was “very, very disturbing” and could jeopardize the independence of the judiciary. The Supreme Court had also sought responses from the Centre, the Lokpal registrar, and the individual who filed complaints against a sitting high court judge.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, argued that high court judges do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
The Lokpal’s order had been issued following complaints filed against a sitting additional judge of a high court.
Tags: Northlines
