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Justice Mehta Seeks Rajasthan High Court Leadership Change
Justice Sandeep Mehta complained about how the Rajasthan High Court was being managed.
He wrote three letters to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant in August.
Mehta accused Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma of using administrative powers unfairly.
He said some cases may have been moved to Sharma’s courtroom in ways that helped powerful or wealthy people.
He mentioned land cases from Udaipur and a case involving a mining businessman.
He also raised concerns about a court building, a judges’ conference and the treatment of other judges.
Mehta asked for Sharma to be transferred and for a chief justice from another state to be appointed.
The allegations have not been established as facts.
CJI Kant said Sharma must be allowed to give his side before the judiciary decides what to do.
Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta urged CJI Surya Kant to appoint a permanent Rajasthan High Court chief justice from another state.
In letters dated August 2, 10 and 17, Mehta accused Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma of maladministration, favouritism, nepotism and misuse of powers.
Mehta alleged that cases involving influential litigants were selectively moved to Sharma’s bench, citing Udaipur land appeals and a mining-related matter.
He also raised concerns about the Jodhpur court building, judicial administration, a Jaipur conference and alleged pressure on fellow judges.
Kant said the allegations must be examined institutionally, with Sharma given a fair opportunity to respond before any decision is made.
- Who
- Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta, CJI Surya Kant and Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma.
- What
- Mehta sought Sharma’s transfer and a permanent chief justice from another state, alleging misuse of administrative and judicial powers; Kant ordered no public finding and said the matter would undergo institutional examination.
- Where
- The allegations concern the Rajasthan High Court, including its Jaipur and Jodhpur seats, and cases involving Udaipur.
- When
- Mehta’s letters were dated August 2, August 10 and August 17, 2026; reports were published on August 26, 2026. Sharma was reported to be due to retire on September 26, 2026.
- Why
- Mehta said leadership changes were needed because of alleged selective case listings, favouritism, threats toward judges and administrative irregularities.
Justice Mehta’s Allegations
CJI’s Institutional Response
Case listings and roster powers
Justice Mehta’s Allegations
Mehta alleged that Sharma withdrew cases from other benches and moved them to his own bench without justification, including matters involving influential or wealthy litigants.
CJI’s Institutional Response
Kant said the allegations are not established findings and must be reviewed alongside Sharma’s response and supporting material.
Specific cases
Justice Mehta’s Allegations
Mehta cited Udaipur land appeals and a mining matter involving Meghraj Singh, alleging improper listing, registration and condonation of a 457-day delay.
CJI’s Institutional Response
The reports contain no final institutional finding that the case transfers, registration or delay decision were improper.
Leadership change
Justice Mehta’s Allegations
Mehta urged the Supreme Court Collegium to appoint a chief justice from another state and transfer Sharma immediately, saying continued inaction could harm the institution.
CJI’s Institutional Response
Kant said the competent institutional authority would decide Sharma’s continuation, transfer or other administrative action after considering the material; no final decision was reported.
Key facts
- Complainant
- Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta
- Subject of allegations
- Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma
- Requested action
- Immediate appointment of a chief justice from another state and transfer of Sharma out of Rajasthan
- Letters
- Three letters dated August 2, August 10 and August 17, 2026
- Cases cited
- Udaipur land appeals and a matter involving mining businessman Meghraj Singh
- Alleged delay
- Mehta said a 457-day delay was condoned on the first day of hearing in the Meghraj Singh matter
- CJI’s response
- Surya Kant said allegations cannot be adjudicated through media claims and that Sharma must have an opportunity to respond
- Repatriation discrepancy
- Articles differ on whether Sharma’s repatriation to Rajasthan was recommended in May 2025 or permitted in May 2026
Quotes
Justice Sandeep Mehta
Supreme Court judge and former Rajasthan High Court judge
“There are innumerable instances of Mr. Justice Sharma exercising powers as the Acting Chief Justice in a manner unbecoming of the leader of the institution... I have received several complaints about the judicial functioning of Mr. Justice S.P. Sharma which, prima facie, raise doubts on his integrity.”
freepressjournal.in
“It is thus my earnest request that the Supreme Court Collegium should meet at the earliest and ensure that a regular Chief Justice is appointed in the Rajasthan High Court and Mr. Justice S.P. Sharma is forthwith transferred out of the State looking to his unbecoming conduct.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
Rajasthan HC Row: Justice Mehta’s allegations against Justice Sharma, CJI’s response - All you need to know
'Misusing Powers': SC Judge Writes To CJI Surya Kant Seeking Replacement Of Rajasthan HC Acting CJ Over 'Manipulation Case Listings'
‘Brazen Misuse Of Powers’: SC Judge Sandeep Mehta Urges CJI To Replace Rajasthan HC Acting Chief Justice
SC Judge Sandeep Mehta Alleges ‘Misuse Of Powers’ By Rajasthan HC Acting CJ
CJI says allegations against Rajasthan High Court acting chief justice need fair hearing, not media trial
SC judge seeks replacement of Rajasthan HC acting CJ: What happened, what he alleged and everything you need to know
SC judge Mehta raises integrity concerns over Raj HC acting CJ
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