As of today, April 30, 2025, the Supreme Court of India is set to hear a suo motu (on its own motion) case concerning the jurisdiction of the Lokpal to entertain complaints against sitting High Court judges. This case was initiated following a January 27, 2025, order by the Lokpal, which held that it had the authority to investigate complaints against High Court judges under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.

The Supreme Court had previously stayed the Lokpal’s order, describing it as “very disturbing” and expressing concerns about the independence of the judiciary. A three-judge bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai, Surya Kant, and Abhay S. Oka is scheduled to hear arguments today. The court has appointed senior advocate Ranjit Kumar as amicus curiae to assist in the proceedings.

The central issue before the Court is whether High Court judges fall within the definition of “public servants” under the Lokpal Act, thereby determining if the Lokpal has the jurisdiction to entertain complaints against them. The outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for the scope of the Lokpal’s authority over the judiciary.

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