Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta has urged Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to take immediate action against Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, alleging misuse of administrative powers, favouritism and other irregularities in the functioning of the court.
In three letters dated August 2, 10 and 17, Justice Mehta raised serious concerns about Justice Sharma’s role as master of the roster. He alleged that cases were being selectively transferred to the acting chief justice’s bench and claimed that several complaints about Sharma’s judicial conduct had raised, in his words, “prima facie” concerns about his integrity.
According to the letters, Justice Mehta also alleged that wealthy and influential litigants had received preferential treatment. Other allegations included corruption, nepotism, favouritism and the misuse of administrative authority. He further claimed that some judges had faced threats of transfer if they did not cooperate with the acting chief justice.
Key Concerns Raised by Justice Mehta
Justice Mehta’s letters highlighted several issues concerning the administration and functioning of the Rajasthan High Court:
- Alleged corruption, nepotism and favouritism within the court.
- Selective transfer of cases to the acting chief justice’s bench.
- Alleged preferential treatment of wealthy and influential litigants.
- Misuse of the powers associated with the roster.
- Alleged pressure on judges through threats of transfers.
- Claims by fellow judges that Justice Sharma had acted in a “vindictive” manner.
- Concerns over what Justice Mehta described as a “seriously skewed” approach toward the Jodhpur Bench.
Justice Mehta also questioned the high court’s administrative arrangements surrounding a three-day international conference held in Jaipur from July 31 to August 2. He claimed that almost all judges of the Rajasthan High Court had been nominated to attend the event, resulting in the Jodhpur principal seat having no functional court for two days.
Justice Mehta has consequently asked the CJI to consider appointing a chief justice from another state and transferring Justice Sharma out of Rajasthan. He warned that failing to address the concerns could be detrimental to the functioning and interests of the judicial institution.
Justice Sharma’s Judicial Career
Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma was appointed to the Rajasthan High Court in November 2016 before being transferred to the Patna High Court in January 2022. His request to return to Rajasthan on health grounds was not accepted by the Supreme Court Collegium in March 2023, and he was instead transferred to the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
In May 2025, the Collegium subsequently recommended his repatriation to Rajasthan. He later assumed charge as the acting chief justice of the Rajasthan High Court.
The allegations raised by Justice Mehta concern the administration and judicial functioning of the Rajasthan High Court and represent serious claims that would require appropriate institutional consideration and verification.
