February 20, 2025: The Supreme Court on Thursday halted an order issued by the Lokpal, which claimed that it had the authority to investigate High Court judges under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. Calling the order "very disturbing," the apex court has sought a response from the Centre and the Registrar of Lokpal.

The matter was taken up by the Supreme Court suo moto after the Lokpal's ruling on January 27, which emerged while hearing two complaints against a sitting additional judge of a High Court. However, the court has directed that the name of the High Court judge in question should not be disclosed.

During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, argued that the Lokpal had misinterpreted the law. He asserted that High Court judges do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Lokpal, thereby making the order invalid.

This development has sparked a legal debate regarding the extent of the Lokpal’s jurisdiction and its authority over the judiciary. The Supreme Court's intervention is expected to clarify the matter in the coming hearings.