The Supreme Court has stayed a Lokpal directive that entertained complaints against a sitting high court judge, calling the development “very disturbing” and raising serious concerns about judicial independence.

A special bench led by Justice B R Gavai issued notices to the central government, the Lokpal registrar, and the complainant, stressing that the matter required urgent judicial scrutiny.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the central government, asserted that a sitting high court judge does not come under the ambit of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. The bench, which also included Justices Surya Kant and Abhay S Oka, further ordered that the complainant must not disclose the judge’s name and instructed that the complaint remain confidential.

The Supreme Court took up the case suo motu after the Lokpal issued its January 27 order. The apex court directed the registrar (judicial) to ensure the complainant’s identity is masked before serving notice through the high court where the individual resides.

“In the meantime, there shall be a stay on the impugned order,” the bench declared.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, also involved in the matter, emphasized the seriousness of the issue, agreeing with the court’s concern that such actions pose a significant risk to judicial integrity. Justice Gavai noted the gravity of the situation, calling it “something very, very disturbing.”

Sibal further argued that legal clarity on the jurisdiction of oversight bodies was necessary and urged the court to establish a firm precedent. The case is scheduled for its next hearing on March 18, subject to directives from the Chief Justice of India.

This case highlights ongoing discussions about the limits of accountability mechanisms and the protection of judicial independence in India's legal system.