Acting Chief Justice Steps Away From Duties
Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, has decided to stop performing judicial duties. The Rajasthan Chief Justice Recusal comes amid controversy over the administration of the High Court. Institutional sources indicated that Justice Sharma took the decision voluntarily.
According to reports, no direct order from the Supreme Court administration required him to step aside. Instead, Justice Sharma communicated his decision through a written letter to the apex court administration.
The development follows growing criticism over his continued leadership of the Rajasthan High Court.
Communication Reaches Supreme Court
Justice Sharma sent his communication to the Registrar General of the Supreme Court on Monday.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant subsequently received information about the development. The communication reached the Supreme Court while judicial proceedings were underway.
Meanwhile, protests by lawyers across Rajasthan intensified.
Rajasthan Lawyers Launch Strike
The Rajasthan High Court Lawyers Association launched protest action over the controversy. Lawyers demanded a change in the leadership of the High Court.
Following an emergency general house meeting, the association decided to suspend legal work until September 6.
The lawyers have demanded Justice Sharma’s removal from the administrative position. They have also called for the appointment of a permanent Chief Justice to the Rajasthan High Court.
As a result, the controversy has moved beyond internal judicial administration and affected regular court functioning.
Justice Sandeep Mehta Raises Allegations
The protests followed allegations raised by Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta.
Justice Mehta reportedly wrote to CJI Surya Kant about the administration of the Rajasthan High Court. His communication raised concerns over the handling of case listings and administrative powers.
The allegations included claims of manipulation in the listing of cases. They also raised concerns about the use of administrative authority by the Acting Chief Justice.
However, the Supreme Court Collegium has been examining the allegations. The process is also expected to provide Justice Sharma an opportunity to respond.
Collegium Examines Administrative Concerns
The controversy has placed the Rajasthan High Court’s administrative functioning under scrutiny.
The Supreme Court Collegium has taken up the issues raised in the communication. At the same time, the lawyers’ protests have increased pressure for an early resolution.
Justice Sharma’s decision to stop hearing cases marks a significant development during this process.
The Rajasthan Chief Justice Recusal may also reduce immediate tensions surrounding judicial proceedings while the institutional review continues.
Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal Recommended
Amid these developments, the Supreme Court Collegium has recommended Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal for appointment as Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court.
Justice Agrawal currently serves at the Chhattisgarh High Court. His proposed appointment would provide permanent leadership to the Rajasthan High Court.
The recommendation comes while lawyers continue to demand a quick resolution of the administrative controversy.
Rajasthan High Court Awaits Permanent Leadership
Justice Sharma’s decision, the lawyers’ strike and the Collegium’s intervention have placed the Rajasthan High Court at the centre of an institutional dispute.
The controversy involves serious questions about judicial administration, case allocation and accountability within the court system.
Meanwhile, the proposed appointment of Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal could provide a path towards restoring normal functioning.
Further developments will depend on the Collegium’s examination of the allegations and the formal process for appointing the Rajasthan High Court’s permanent Chief Justice.
