CJI Surya Kant Reviews Misconduct Claims Against Rajasthan Judge

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant is examining complaints of gross maladministration and favoritism filed by Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta against Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, the Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court. In three letters sent throughout August 2026, Justice Mehta accused Justice Sharma of manipulating case listings to benefit wealthy litigants, specifically regarding priceless lands in Udaipur, and misusing administrative powers to threaten colleagues with retributive transfers.

Additional allegations include the improper securing of permanent Lok Adalat appointments for associates and the recommendation of inactive women advocates for High Court elevation. Justice Mehta urged the immediate appointment of a Chief Justice from another state to prevent further institutional damage before Justice Sharma retires on September 26, 2026.

Chief Justice Surya Kant stated that the matter is being examined at the appropriate level and that he has sought a formal response from Justice Sharma. He emphasized that allegations against sitting judges must be handled through established institutional mechanisms rather than through competing claims in the media, noting that no conclusions can be reached without giving the accused judge a fair opportunity to respond.