New Delhi, August 26, 2026 : Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta has written to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant seeking the immediate appointment of a Chief Justice from outside Rajasthan to head the Rajasthan High Court, while raising serious allegations against its Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma.
In three letters dated August 2, 10 and 17, Justice Mehta accused the Acting Chief Justice of alleged “maladministration”, “malpractices”, “nepotism” and “favouritism”. The allegations, as contained in Justice Mehta’s letters, include claims of selective case listings and misuse of administrative powers.
Allegations Over Case Listings
Justice Mehta alleged that Justice Sharma had, in his capacity as Master of the Roster, selectively transferred certain cases to his own bench, including matters involving influential and wealthy litigants.
The Supreme Court judge said he had previously brought several such instances to the CJI’s notice, including cases originally listed before other benches that were subsequently withdrawn and shifted to Justice Sharma’s court without what he considered a justifiable reason.
According to Justice Mehta’s letters, the CJI had initially asked him to provide details of such cases but later indicated that there was no need to put the allegations in writing and assured him that suitable action would be taken.
However, Justice Mehta said that his request for the appointment of an outside Chief Justice for the Rajasthan High Court had still not received a positive response.
Raises Concerns Over Judicial Functioning
In his August 2 communication, Justice Mehta also referred to complaints regarding Justice Sharma’s judicial functioning, saying that, in his assessment, some of the complaints “prima facie” raised doubts about his integrity.
In his August 10 letter, Justice Mehta cited two cases which he described as “living proof” of what he alleged were attempts to exercise administrative and judicial powers in favour of influential parties ahead of Justice Sharma’s retirement.
Justice Mehta alleged that the instances reflected a serious misuse of authority and raised concerns about the functioning of the Rajasthan High Court.
Justice Sharma’s Judicial Career
Justice Sandeep Mehta was appointed a judge of the Rajasthan High Court in May 2011. He became Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court in February 2023 and was elevated to the Supreme Court in November 2023.
Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma was appointed a judge of the Rajasthan High Court in November 2016 and transferred to the Patna High Court in January 2022.
His request for repatriation to Rajasthan on health grounds was not accepted by the Supreme Court Collegium in March 2023, and he was subsequently transferred to the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The Collegium later recommended his repatriation to Rajasthan in May 2025.
Justice Sharma has been functioning as Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court for more than 10 months, following the retirement of Chief Justice S. Shriram in September 2025.
Jodhpur Court Building Dispute
Justice Mehta’s August 17 letter raised additional concerns about the administration of the Rajasthan High Court and the treatment of members of the subordinate judiciary.
He specifically referred to the Jodhpur District Court (Metro) building, which he said had been operationally and functionally complete for around a year.
According to the letter, Justice Sharma ordered major changes to the infrastructure after visiting the facility and kept its inauguration on hold.
Justice Mehta pointed out that several courts under the Jodhpur Metro judgeship were still functioning from rented premises despite the availability of the new 40-court complex.
The building was eventually inaugurated by CJI Surya Kant on August 15, after Justice Mehta and Supreme Court judge Justice Vijay Bishnoi requested him to do so, according to the letter.
Questions Over International Conference
Justice Mehta also criticised the organisation of a three-day international conference in Jaipur from July 31 to August 2.
He alleged that almost all Rajasthan High Court judges were nominated to attend the event, resulting in the principal seat at Jodhpur being left without a functional court for two days.
He further claimed that around 20-22 district judges were also nominated, leaving the districts concerned without their senior-most judicial officers during the conference.
Concerns About Transfer Threats
Justice Mehta also said that several Rajasthan High Court judges had approached him during his visits to the state and expressed concerns over Justice Sharma’s conduct.
According to his letters, some judges allegedly spoke of threats of transfer and other administrative concerns.
The allegations made by Justice Mehta concern the functioning and administration of the Rajasthan High Court and are contained in his communications to the CJI. Any allegations or claims raised in the letters would require appropriate institutional consideration and verification.
The developments have drawn attention to the administration of one of the country’s major High Courts and to the role of the Chief Justice in roster allocation, judicial administration and the functioning of subordinate courts.
