New Delhi, August 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Wednesday said the Supreme Court Collegium has taken note of concerns raised by Justice Sandeep Mehta regarding the functioning of the Rajasthan High Court and that the matter is being examined through the appropriate institutional mechanism.
Justice Mehta, a Supreme Court judge who was elevated from the Rajasthan High Court, had written three letters to the CJI on August 2, 10 and 17, seeking the appointment of a regular Chief Justice from another High Court and the transfer of Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma out of the state.
Justice Mehta had alleged misuse of administrative powers, manipulation of case listings, favouritism and other instances of what he described as gross maladministration and questionable conduct by Justice Sharma.
Responding to the controversy, CJI Kant said allegations against a sitting judge cannot be treated as established findings and must be examined through the prescribed institutional process.
“The fact that allegations have been made, therefore, cannot by itself be treated as a finding against the judge,” the CJI said.
He said the matter was being considered at the appropriate level and that the process would take into account the material placed by Justice Mehta as well as Justice Sharma’s response. The CJI stressed that Justice Sharma must be given a fair opportunity to respond before any conclusion is reached.
CJI Kant also said he and other members of the Supreme Court Collegium were already working on appointments of regular Chief Justices to the remaining High Courts.
He emphasised that complaints concerning judges cannot be settled through competing claims in the media, saying such matters must be addressed within the institutional framework.
Justice Sharma has been functioning as Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court since September 28, 2025, and is due to retire on September 26, 2026.
Any decision regarding his continuation, transfer or other administrative action will be taken by the competent institutional authority after considering the material available and the response from the concerned judge.
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