Rajasthan HC Acting CJ Sharma Calls Allegations By SC Judge Baseless
Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma says allegations by Justice Sandeep Mehta were made out of “animosity”.
Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma has denied all allegations levelled against him by Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta, describing them as “baseless” and the result of “animosity”.
Justice Sharma said he had already submitted his response to the allegations, along with supporting material, to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. He expressed confidence in the judicial system and urged the media, lawyers and others to wait for the appropriate decision on the matter.
The controversy follows letters written by Justice Mehta to the Chief Justice of India, in which he reportedly raised allegations concerning the functioning of the Rajasthan High Court under Justice Sharma and questioned certain administrative decisions. Justice Mehta is also understood to have sought action regarding Justice Sharma’s position.
Responding to the allegations, Justice Sharma rejected the charges and maintained that they were without factual basis. He said the allegations had been made out of animosity and were not supported by facts.
The dispute has attracted attention within the legal fraternity in Rajasthan, with lawyers’ associations expressing concern over the allegations and their implications for the administration of the High Court.
Justice Sharma’s response comes amid developments concerning the leadership of the Rajasthan High Court. The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended Justice Sanjay Kumar Agrawal of the Chhattisgarh High Court for appointment as the next Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court.
The allegations and counterclaims have raised questions about administrative functioning within the High Court and the manner in which grievances involving senior members of the judiciary are addressed.
Justice Sharma has maintained that he has faith in the institutional process and that the matter should be allowed to be dealt with through the appropriate judicial and administrative mechanisms.
The Supreme Court has not indicated any final decision on the allegations so far. The matter is expected to remain under consideration as the authorities examine the responses and material placed before them.
