In a stunning escalation, Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta has penned a fourth letter to the CJI, alleging systemic corruption, administrative abuse, and interference in judicial inquiries by former acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma.
- Justice Sandeep Mehta has sent four separate letters to CJI Surya Kant alleging misconduct by Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma.
- Fresh allegations include interference in a sensitive internal inquiry involving indecent imagery and breach of confidentiality.
- Justice Sanjay Kumar Agarwal has officially taken over as the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court.
- Justice Sharma has categorically denied all claims, labeling them as baseless and driven by animosity.
The Rajasthan High Court is currently embroiled in a high-stakes judicial conflict following a series of explosive allegations leveled by Justice Sandeep Mehta of the Supreme Court against the former acting Chief Justice, Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma. In a fourth letter dated August 30, addressed to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Mehta has expanded his accusations, citing "arbitrary, dubious, and patently high-handed acts" that threaten the integrity of the judiciary.
The timing of these revelations coincides with a leadership transition at the Rajasthan High Court. On Monday, Governor Haribhau Bagde administered the oath of office to Sanjay Kumar Agarwal as the new Chief Justice. Notably, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Agarwal's appointment within an hour of Justice Sharma going on leave, suggesting a swift administrative move amidst the growing controversy.
The Nature of the Allegations
While previous letters focused on general misuse of power and integrity concerns, the latest correspondence delves into specific administrative failures. Justice Mehta alleges that Justice Sharma directly interfered in a Complaint Committee's inquiry regarding a judicial officer accused of displaying indecent pictures of a female colleague. According to the letter, the committee—which included three lady judges—refused to proceed after recording that the acting CJ's intervention vitiated the independence of the proceedings.
The collision between two high-ranking members of the judiciary over administrative ethics represents a critical test for the internal accountability mechanisms of the Indian High Courts.
Furthermore, Justice Mehta claims that confidential records of the sensitive inquiry were leaked to registry officers and other judicial staff, which he describes as a grave breach of protocol. He asserts that Justice Sharma's "autocratic manner of functioning" has caused irreversible damage to the institution of the High Court.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this is not merely a personal spat between two judges but a systemic alarm regarding the 'checks and balances' within the High Court administration. When a Supreme Court judge repeatedly alerts the CJI about the potential breakdown of institutional mechanisms without an immediate visible resolution, it raises questions about how the judiciary handles internal corruption and administrative overreach.
In response, Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma has maintained his innocence. In a statement issued on September 2, he described the allegations as "baseless" and born out of "animosity." He stated that he has submitted evidence to the CJI to refute these claims and has appealed for patience until a formal decision is reached.
| Aspect | Justice Sandeep Mehta's Claims | Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma's Stance |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Conduct | High-handed, autocratic, and corrupt | Professional and based on law |
| Internal Inquiries | Interfered in sensitive sexual harassment probe | Claims allegations are baseless and false |
| Institutional Impact | Irreversible damage to the High Court | Faith in the Indian judicial system |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is the current Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court?
Justice Sanjay Kumar Agarwal has recently been sworn in as the Chief Justice, replacing Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma.
Q2: What is the primary basis of Justice Mehta's fourth letter?
The fourth letter primarily focuses on the alleged interference in a judicial inquiry regarding indecent imagery and the breach of confidentiality within the court's administration.