Government watchdog groups have called on the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito over potential ethics violations related to his stock holdings in oil companies.

In a letter sent Thursday, a coalition of watchdog organizations raised concerns about Alito's participation in court cases that could benefit energy companies while he maintains financial interests in the oil sector. The groups argue this arrangement may violate court ethics codes.

According to the watchdog groups, Alito is the only current Supreme Court justice who holds stock in energy companies. They contend that his continued participation in certain cases creates a potential conflict of interest that warrants congressional scrutiny.

The letter specifically questions whether Alito's financial holdings in oil stocks should disqualify him from hearing cases that could impact the energy industry or provide benefits to major oil companies. The watchdog organizations did not specify which particular cases prompted their concerns.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has not yet responded to the request for an investigation. Supreme Court justices are generally expected to recuse themselves from cases where they have financial interests that could be affected by the outcome.

This development adds to ongoing discussions about ethics standards and financial disclosure requirements for Supreme Court justices, as advocacy groups continue to scrutinize potential conflicts of interest among members of the nation's highest court.