Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma has issued his first public statement strongly repudiating the allegations raised against him. Terming the charges entirely baseless, factless, and motivated by personal enmity, Justice Sharma confirmed that he has submitted a detailed written response accompanied by documentary evidence directly to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant. His formal statement comes against the backdrop of intensifying protests by advocate associations in Jaipur and Jodhpur, alongside a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium proposing a new Chief Justice for the Rajasthan High Court.
Detailed Written Refutation Submitted to CJI Surya Kant
In a formal statement released in Hindi, Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma addressed recent media coverage and online discussions regarding his judicial office. He stated unequivocally that he denies every single accusation leveled against him, emphasizing that the charges lack factual substance and legal merit. According to Justice Sharma, these allegations were engineered by a honorable judge out of personal grudge and ill will. He clarified that he has fully communicated his position to CJI Justice Surya Kant, presenting point-by-point evidentiary counter-arguments to refute the assertions contained in the letters written by Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta.
Controversy Originates from Three Letters by Justice Sandeep Mehta
The controversy stems from three separate communications authored by Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta and addressed to CJI Justice Surya Kant. The letters, dated August 2, August 10, and August 17, were also copied to other constituent members of the Supreme Court Collegium. In these communications, Justice Mehta alleged misuse of administrative authority and judicial power by Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma. Justice Mehta cited multiple representations he had received that questioned the integrity of the Acting Chief Justice. Based on these complaints, Justice Mehta urged the CJI to transfer Justice Sharma to another High Court and recommended the immediate appointment of a regular Chief Justice for the Rajasthan High Court.
Widespread Lawyer Protests in Jaipur and Work Stoppages in Jodhpur
Following the public disclosure of the internal communications, advocate bodies across Rajasthan initiated protest actions. On August 31 in Jaipur, a section of lawyers gathered directly outside Justice Sharma's courtroom, staging a sit-in demonstration accompanied by slogan-shouting. Concurrently, both advocate associations operating at the main seat of the Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur declared an official strike. The Jodhpur lawyer associations passed resolutions demanding that Justice Sharma be relieved of all judicial and administrative duties pending a resolution of the matter. The widespread agitation by the bar has heightened scrutiny over the High Court's administration.
Supreme Court Collegium Proposes Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal
Amid the escalating friction, the Supreme Court Collegium convened on Monday and recommended Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal of the Chhattisgarh High Court for appointment as Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court. This recommendation is intended to fill the post currently held by Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, who went on leave earlier this week. The Collegium's resolution formally initiates the constitutional process for installing a regular administrative head at the Rajasthan High Court.
Reassurance of Faith in Judiciary and Appeal for Restraint
Concluding his public statement, Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma appealed to members of the press, the legal fraternity, and the public to uphold the principles of justice and institutional propriety. Expressing complete faith in the Indian judicial framework, he asked all parties to exercise patience and await the formal determination of the CJI. Justice Sharma noted that once the appropriate time arrives and authorization is granted by the CJI, he will personally present his complete stance before the media. Until such time, he requested restraint from all stakeholders.
