New Delhi, August 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta has urged Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant to appoint a regular Chief Justice from another High Court to head the Rajasthan High Court, while raising serious allegations against its Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma.
In three letters dated August 2, 10 and 17, Justice Mehta sought the immediate replacement of Justice Sharma, alleging misuse of administrative powers, manipulation of case listings, favouritism towards certain lawyers and parties, and victimisation of judicial officers. The allegations are contained in the communications and have not been adjudicated.
Justice Mehta, who was elevated to the Supreme Court from the Rajasthan High Court, has repeatedly urged the CJI to appoint a Chief Justice from another state, warning that continued inaction was “wholly against the interest of the Institution”.
In his August 2 letter, Justice Mehta said several Rajasthan High Court judges had met him during his visits to the state and expressed concern over Justice Sharma’s conduct. He alleged that the Acting Chief Justice had threatened fellow judges with retributive action, including transfer, while claiming proximity to the CJI.
Justice Mehta also questioned Justice Sharma’s leadership and administrative functioning, alleging that several decisions reflected a lack of institutional leadership.
In his August 10 communication, Justice Mehta referred to alleged instances of favouritism towards particular lawyers and parties and questioned the exercise of roster and administrative powers. He also cited a criminal matter in which he alleged that the manner of handling the case favoured particular parties. He said the instances collectively indicated “misuse of powers by the Acting Chief Justice”.
In the August 17 letter, Justice Mehta referred to what he described as “gross maladministration” and “seriously questionable activities” and questioned why Justice Sharma continued as Acting Chief Justice. He also referred to a communication from a serving Rajasthan High Court judge concerning alleged “vindictive actions” against the judge’s wife, a senior officer in the district judiciary.
The communications also referred to a separate complaint dated July 25, 2026, submitted by advocate Pooja Tripathi concerning alleged irregularities in appointments to Permanent Lok Adalats in Jaipur and Ajmer. The complaint alleged familial or personal connections involving some appointees. These allegations too remain unverified.
Justice Mehta urged the Supreme Court Collegium to appoint a regular Chief Justice to the Rajasthan High Court and transfer Justice Sharma out of the state.
Justice Sharma has been serving as Acting Chief Justice since September 28, 2025. The Rajasthan High Court’s official directory currently lists him as the Acting Chief Justice. He is due to retire on September 26, 2026, according to reports.
Copies of Justice Mehta’s letters were reportedly forwarded to members of the Supreme Court Collegium and the President of India.
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