New Delhi, 20 February (HS): The Supreme Court has made a big intervention on the decision of Lokpal on High Court judges. The Supreme Court has stayed the decision of Lokpal, which said that investigating complaints against High Court judges comes under the jurisdiction of Lokpal. The bench headed by Justice BR Gavai took suo motu cognizance of the order of Lokpal and said that this decision is disturbing.

The Supreme Court has stayed the order of Lokpal dated 27 January, which declared the right of Lokpal to hear corruption complaints against High Court judges. The Supreme Court directed the complainant who complained to Lokpal not to make public the name of the judge against whom he has filed the complaint. The complainant had complained to Lokpal that a private firm had been the client of that judge earlier when he used to practice law.

In fact, the Lokpal bench headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice AM Khanwilkar had ordered an inquiry against the High Court judge in its order dated January 27. During the hearing today, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that the Lokpal misinterpreted the law. He said that the High Court judge has not been brought under the ambit of the Lokpal. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal also criticized the Lokpal's order and asked the court to stay it.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar