Strains within the administration of the Rajasthan High Court were evident long before top judicial figures voiced their concerns publicly. Prior to Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta leveling serious allegations against Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, local advocates had already reached out to the highest judicial authority. The Rajasthan High Court Advocates Association in Jodhpur had formally written to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, advocating for the immediate transfer of the acting chief justice out of the state to restore harmony between the judiciary and the legal fraternity.
The April Representation Sent to CJI Surya Kant
Ranjit Joshi, president of the Rajasthan High Court Advocates Association, had dispatched the critical letter to CJI Surya Kant on April 25. The core demand put forth by the lawyers' body revolved around appointing a permanent Chief Justice for the Rajasthan High Court without further delay. Additionally, the association emphasized that transferring Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma to another High Court across the country was imperative for re-establishing effective coordination and mutual trust within the court premises.
Breakdown in Bar and Bench Relations
The communication highlighted a growing disconnect between practicing lawyers and judicial leadership. The association detailed how communication gaps and friction during courtroom interactions were hindering daily judicial business. Furthermore, basic administrative requests from advocates, such as providing minimal meeting chambers or 10x10 feet tin shed spaces, reportedly faced lack of cooperation from the court administration, escalating frustration among members. Ranjit Joshi wrote, "Appointing a permanent Chief Justice has become essential to maintain court dignity and a healthy work atmosphere."
Escalation Following Justice Sandeep Mehta's Letters
The controversy gained significant momentum after Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta also addressed multiple communications to the CJI and the Supreme Court Collegium. Justice Mehta, who hails from Rajasthan, sent three separate letters earlier this month alleging abuse of power by Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma. He pointed to several complaints received regarding Justice Sharma that raised doubts over administrative integrity, recommending his transfer and the appointment of a fresh chief justice from outside the state.
Implications for the Judicial Administration in Rajasthan
The revelation of the April letter from the Jodhpur Bar Association demonstrates that dissatisfaction with the administrative functioning of the High Court was brewing for months before escalating to the Supreme Court Collegium. Legal observers note that friction between judges and lawyers ultimately affects judicial efficiency and case clearance rates. With both the local bar association and a sitting Supreme Court judge raising similar demands, the Collegium now faces decisive choices regarding leadership restructuring in the Rajasthan High Court.
