CJI Surya Kant Says Rajasthan HC Row Under Review
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has said complaints raised by Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta against Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma are being examined through the judiciary’s established institutional mechanism. He stressed that the allegations cannot be treated as findings without giving Justice Sharma an opportunity to respond.
CJI Surya Kant Says Allegations Under Examination
The CJI said he had taken note of the concerns raised by Justice Mehta but maintained that allegations involving a sitting judge could not be decided through competing claims in the public domain.
Any decision concerning Justice Sharma’s continuation, transfer or other administrative action would be taken by the competent authority after considering the material submitted by Justice Mehta and Justice Sharma’s response.
Justice Sharma is serving as Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court and is due to retire on September 26.
Justice Sandeep Mehta Sent Three Letters to CJI
Justice Mehta wrote to the CJI on August 2, August 10 and August 17, seeking the appointment of a regular Chief Justice from another High Court and the transfer of Justice Sharma out of Rajasthan.
The letters reportedly allege “gross maladministration”, misuse of administrative and roster powers, favouritism and other questionable activities.
These remain allegations and no judicial or institutional finding establishing wrongdoing by Justice Sharma has been announced.
Rajasthan High Court Leadership Issue Under Review
Justice Mehta reportedly based some of his concerns on information received from Rajasthan High Court judges and other sources.
CJI Surya Kant also indicated that the Supreme Court Collegium is working towards appointing regular Chief Justices to High Courts.
The controversy has attracted attention because it involves serious complaints by a serving Supreme Court judge concerning the administration of his parent High Court.
