In a rare public statement, Rajasthan High Court's Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma has firmly denied allegations leveled against him by a Supreme Court judge, calling them "baseless" and driven by rancor. The judicial controversy has stirred the legal community, with lawyers protesting and tensions mounting in Jaipur's court corridors.

  • Justice Sharma rejects all allegations as "baseless and false"
  • Supreme Court Collegium has recommended Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal as replacement
  • Lawyers' associations announced strike until September 6

The Allegations and Response

Justice Sandeep Mehta of the Supreme Court had written to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, accusing Justice Sharma of "misuse of powers, favoritism, nepotism, and administrative lapses." The letters specifically alleged that Justice Sharma manipulated case assignments to his own bench and showed preference to "rich and influential" litigants.

Justice Sharma, in his Hindi statement released Wednesday night, stated he has presented his version to the CJI with supporting evidence. "I reject all the allegations," he declared. "They are baseless and have been levelled by the Honourable Judge out of ranjish (rancour)."

Growing Tensions in Rajasthan

The controversy has spilled beyond judicial chambers into the wider legal community. Lawyers' associations across Rajasthan have called for a strike until September 6, demanding Justice Sharma be relieved of his duties immediately. At the Jaipur Bench, attorneys staged protests outside his courtroom on August 31, their slogans echoing through the courthouse halls.

"I have complete faith in the Indian judicial system. When the right time comes, upon receiving approval from the CJI, I will myself appear before the media and present my side. Until then, please maintain patience."

Institutional Response

The Supreme Court Collegium has already moved to address the situation, recommending the transfer of Chhattisgarh High Court judge Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal to Rajasthan as Chief Justice. Justice Sharma, who is scheduled to retire on September 26, would be replaced under this proposal.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has confirmed the matter is "being examined through the appropriate institutional mechanism" and that Justice Sharma will have opportunity to respond before any conclusions are reached. The judicial system now watches and waits—its rhythms slowed by the weight of these serious charges and the dignified patience requested by the man at their center.