SC Judge Sandeep Mehta Demands Removal of Rajasthan HC Acting CJ Sanjeev Prakash Sharma
_904908816.jpg)
In a significant and unprecedented development within the Indian judiciary, Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta has written a series of compelling letters to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, urgently demanding the immediate removal of Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court.
A Series of Urgent Letters Highlighting Judicial Conduct
Justice Sandeep Mehta formally escalated his concerns to the highest judicial authority through multiple communications dispatched on August 2, August 10, and August 17, 2026. In his correspondence, Justice Mehta repeatedly implored the CJI to intervene and replace the leadership of the Rajasthan High Court without delay.
Detailing his apprehensions in his initial communication, Justice Mehta wrote:
"There are many instances in which Justice Sharma used his powers as Acting Chief Justice in a manner that does not befit the position of the head of the institution." He further added that he had received numerous complaints concerning Justice Sharma's judicial work that "prima facie raise questions about his integrity."
Allegations of Intimidating Fellow Judges and Misuse of Influence
According to Justice Mehta’s letters, during a visit to Rajasthan, several sitting judges of the High Court approached him to express deep dismay and displeasure regarding Justice Sharma’s administrative behavior. The complaints alleged that Justice Sharma frequently intimidated his judicial colleagues with threats of punitive transfers, reportedly citing alleged closeness to senior judicial authorities.
Furthermore, in his August 17 letter, Justice Mehta highlighted the exceptionally poor performance and questionable administrative activities of Justice Sharma—who is scheduled to retire next month on September 26—questioning why he continued to be permitted to hold such a sensitive post.
Questions Over Collegium Transfers and Ten-Month Tenure
Justice Mehta also drew the CJI's attention to the unusual administrative trajectory of Justice Sharma, who has served as Acting Chief Justice for an extended period of ten months.
Initially elevated to the Rajasthan High Court in November 2016 before being transferred to the Patna High Court in 2022, Justice Sharma's career path had previously faced scrutiny. In March 2023, the Supreme Court Collegium rejected his request to return to Rajasthan on health grounds, recommending his transfer to the Punjab and Haryana High Court instead. However, in a surprising reversal in May 2026, the Collegium approved his return to Rajasthan.
Concluding his plea, Justice Mehta questioned the administrative logic behind the decision:
"It is incomprehensible why Justice S.P. Sharma was given so much leeway despite it being clearly mentioned in the transfer recommendation dated March 28, 2023." As the letters gain widespread attention across legal and political circles, all eyes remain on the Supreme Court leadership to address these grave institutional concerns.
_337927404_351x234.jpg)
_1587178762_351x234.jpg)
_305727748_351x234.jpg)
_744867096_351x234.jpg)
_483913699_351x234.jpg)
