The Supreme Court on Thursday put a stay on the Lokpal's order, which had entertained complaints against a high court judge, calling the development "very disturbing."

A special bench, led by Justice B.R. Gavai, issued notices to the Center and other parties, seeking their responses in the suo motu proceedings initiated against the Lokpal's January 27 order.

The bench, which also included Justices Surya Kant and Abhay S Oka, prohibited the complainant from revealing the judge's identity and directed that the complaint remain confidential.

The Lokpal’s order stemmed from two complaints against an additional high court judge, alleging that he influenced an additional district judge in the state, and another high court judge handling a lawsuit filed against the complainant by a private company.

It has been claimed that the private firm was previously a client of the high court judge when he practiced as an advocate.