Rajasthan HC Scandal: Judge Accused of Nepotism & Misconduct; New CJ Appointed!

A significant controversy has erupted within the Indian judiciary, casting a shadow over the Rajasthan High Court. Serious allegations have surfaced against Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, the Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, concerning judicial integrity, alleged nepotism, and misuse of power.

The concerns were brought to light through a series of letters reportedly sent by Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta to the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

Justice Mehta, known for his integrity, wrote three letters on August 2, 10, and 17, seeking Justice Sharma's immediate transfer.

Parts of these crucial letters have since entered the public domain, igniting a debate about accountability in the higher judiciary.

Reports indicate that Justice Mehta's letters detail complaints about Justice Sharma's functioning, including alleged victimisation of fellow judges, maladministration, improper "shifting of cases" to his Bench, and accusations of nepotism in appointments to the Permanent Lok Adalat. It is also alleged that Justice Sharma intimidated colleagues with threats of retributive measures, including transfers, leveraging his claimed proximity to the CJI.

Furthermore, specific instances of alleged favoritism towards certain lawyers and the misuse of power as the “master of the roster” were reportedly cited. Justice Mehta's final letter is said to express concern over the CJI's apparent inaction, especially with Justice Sharma's impending retirement on September 26.

While Justice Sharma has publicly dismissed the accusations as baseless, there has been no official denial from authorities regarding the contents of Justice Mehta's letters. The situation has been compounded by the fact that the High Court operated under an Acting Chief Justice for approximately 11 months, a practice considered an undesirable institutional gesture.

Adding to the controversy, Justice Sharma had previously been transferred to the Patna High Court in 2022, with his request to revoke the transfer being considered by the Supreme Court collegium. Amidst these serious allegations and calls for judicial reform, a new development has occurred: the Centre has named Justice Sanjay Kumar Agrawal as the new Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court.

This notification came just four days after the Supreme Court collegium recommended Justice Agrawal, who previously served as a judge of the Chhattisgarh High Court, for the Rajasthan post.

His appointment is a significant step, potentially aimed at addressing the turbulence and restoring faith in the High Court's leadership.

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