SC judge Sandeep Mehta writes to CJI against ACJ of Rajasthan HC

Allegations against sitting judge to be dealt with through institutional process: CJI

27/08/2026

NEW DELHI, Aug 26: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Wednesday responded to allegations raised by Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta against Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, stressing that allegations against a sitting judge must be dealt with strictly through established institutional mechanisms.
Justice Mehta had written three letters to the CJI on August 2, 10 and 17, raising concerns over the administrative functioning of the Rajasthan High Court and alleging irregularities in the listing and allocation of cases under Justice Sharma.
In his response, CJI Kant said allegations against a sitting judge cannot, by themselves, be treated as a finding against the judge concerned and that the judge must be provided a fair opportunity to respond.
The CJI's response assumes signifi-cance as the allegations involve the functioning of the Rajasthan High Court and the exercise of administrative powers by its Acting Chief Justice.
Justice Mehta had urged the CJI to appoint, with immediate effect, a Chief Justice from outside Rajasthan to head the high court. He alleged that certain cases had been selectively transferred to Justice Sharma's bench and raised concerns over the manner in which administrative decisions were being taken.
Justice Mehta, in his commun-cations, referred to what he described as instances of cases listed before other benches subsequently being withdrawn and placed before Justice Sharma's court. He had earlier brought such instances to the CJI's notice and sought institutional intervention.
According to Justice Mehta's letters, he had initially been asked to provide details of the cases concerned. He subsequently claimed that he was told that there was no need to put the allegations in writing and that suitable action would be taken.
Justice Mehta later renewed his request for the appointment of a Chief Justice from another state to the Rajasthan High Court.
In his August 10 communication, Justice Mehta referred to two cases which he described as examples of alleged misuse of administrative and judicial powers in matters involving influential parties. He also raised concerns about the judicial and administrative functioning of the Acting Chief Justice.
His August 17 letter raised wider concerns regarding the administration of the Rajasthan High Court and the functioning of subordinate courts.
One of the issues mentioned was the Jodhpur District Court (Metro) building, which Justice Mehta said had been operationally complete for about a year but its inauguration had been delayed.
He said the building was eventually inaugurated by CJI Surya Kant on August 15 after requests from him and Supreme Court judge Justice Vijay Bishnoi.
Justice Mehta also referred to a three-day international conference held in Jaipur from July 31 to August 2. He claimed that a large number of high court judges had been nominated to attend the event, affecting the functioning of the principal seat at Jodhpur.
He further alleged that around 20-22 district judges had also been nominated, leaving several districts without their senior-most judicial officers during the conference.
The Supreme Court judge also said that some judges of the Rajasthan High Court had approached him during his visits to the state and expressed concerns about the functioning of the Acting Chief Justice.
Justice Sharma has been functioning as Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court for more than 10 months after Justice S Shriram demitted office in September 2025.
Justice Sharma was appointed a judge of the Rajasthan High Court in November 2016 and was transferred to the Patna High Court in January 2022. The Supreme Court Collegium subsequently recommended his repatriation to Rajasthan in May 2025.
Justice Mehta was appointed a judge of the Rajasthan High Court in May 2011. He became Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court in February 2023 and was elevated to the Supreme Court in November the same year.
The developments have brought renewed attention to the importance of institutional mechanisms in addressing concerns relating to judicial administration. The CJI's response also underlines the principle that any allegation concerning a sitting judge must be considered through an established process that allows all concerned a fair opportunity to place their position.
The emphasis on institutional mechanisms and procedural fairness is significant for maintaining both judicial independence and public confidence in the justice delivery system.

Photo Gallery

BSE Sensex

NSE Nifty