Lokpal Declares Supreme Court Judges & CJI Outside Its Jurisdiction

Lokpal dismissed a complaint claiming that the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and Supreme Court judges fall under its jurisdiction.

Citing Section 14 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, it clarified that its authority covers officials like the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, and MPs but excludes the judiciary.

The Supreme Court, a constitutional entity funded via the Consolidated Fund of India, is independent of central government control.

While judges qualify as "public servants" under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as held by the Supreme Court in K. Veeraswami vs. Union of India & Ors. are not amenable to the jurisdiction of the Lokpal.

 The complaint lacked merit and was dismissed.