Can Lokpal Question High Court Judges? SC to Decide Soon!
Judges Under Watch: Is Lokpal Crossing the Line or Ensuring Justice?
On April 30, the Supreme Court will hear a case that may change how we see justice in India. Can Lokpal, the top anti-corruption body, take action against sitting high court judges? This issue came up after Lokpal tried to act on complaints against a judge. The Supreme Court stopped that action and is now trying to decide if Lokpal crossed a line or did the right thing.
History Behind Lokpal and Its Powers
Lokpal was created in 2013 as an independent body to handle complaints of corruption. It was made after people across the country protested for clean governance. But till now, it mostly handled cases involving politicians and officers. The big question today is—should its power include high court judges too? That’s something the lawmakers didn’t make very clear.
Serious Allegations That Raised Eyebrows
In January, Lokpal received two complaints against a sitting judge. The complaints said that this judge tried to influence other judges to help a private company. It was also said that the same company had hired the judge as a lawyer earlier. This created doubts about fairness. Lokpal sent the matter to the Chief Justice of India, but the Supreme Court paused everything, saying the matter was serious.
Judges and Independence: A Delicate Balance
The Indian Constitution gives high court judges strong protection so they can act freely without fear. But what happens when a judge is accused of wrongdoing? That’s where things get tricky. The Supreme Court said it would take this issue seriously because it touches on the independence of the judiciary. Some believe letting Lokpal investigate judges might create pressure on courts, which must always stay neutral.
What the Court Might Decide
Now, the court has asked top lawyers to help decide the issue. The government’s lawyer said that judges are not under Lokpal’s control. But Lokpal had earlier said that under Section 14 of its Act, even judges count as “public servants.” The court will now decide where to draw the line. Whatever it rules may change how India deals with corruption in the higher courts.
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