Jaipur: The Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, has not been assigned any regular judicial sittings from 1 to 5 September after a revised roster omitted him and reallocated his cases, a move that comes amid sustained protests by advocates demanding his removal from the administrative post and the appointment of a permanent Chief Justice from outside the State.
Bench roster revised; cases shifted
The new listing, finalised by Justice Sharma, contains no bench with him as a member and transfers matters earlier scheduled before him to other benches of the High Court. Court sources said the change will be in place for the first week of September and will affect matters previously listed before the Acting Chief Justice.
Bar associations escalate action
Lawyer bodies at both the Jaipur and Jodhpur benches have been holding demonstrations and staging strikes. The Rajasthan High Court Lawyers Association, after an emergency general house meeting, announced a complete strike that will continue till 6 September. The association resolved to send formal representations to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and to the President of India.
- Protests held at both Jaipur and Jodhpur High Court premises.
- Police were reportedly called to disperse demonstrators at the Jaipur court complex.
- Visuals from the protests showed advocates raising slogans against the Acting Chief Justice.
Allegations by a Supreme Court judge
The unrest intensified after Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta submitted a complaint to the Chief Justice of India. In his communication, Justice Mehta accused Justice Sharma of manipulating case listings and misusing administrative authority; he urged immediate appointment of a Chief Justice from another State to head Rajasthan High Court. The matter is now before the Supreme Court Collegium for consideration.
“...alleging manipulation of case listings and misuse of administrative powers by the Acting Chief Justice,”
Officials said Chief Justice Surya Kant has indicated the Collegium is examining the allegations and that Justice Sharma will be given an opportunity to respond to the charges.
Impact on litigants and court functioning
The absence of the Acting Chief Justice from the roster and the reallocation of cases add to delays for litigants who were seeking early hearings. Law firms and litigants appearing at the High Court expressed concern at the prospect of adjournments and rescheduling. Administrative adjustments will be watched closely over the coming week to assess the backlog and any need for interim arrangements to protect access to urgent reliefs.
Authorities and next steps
Police and court administration have been monitoring demonstrations to ensure campus security and unimpeded functioning of other benches. The lawyers' association’s decision to escalate the matter to the CJI and President signals a bid to secure an external appointment rather than an internal administrative settlement.
| Date | Action/Development |
|---|---|
| 1–5 September | Acting Chief Justice not assigned regular sittings; roster excludes him |
| Up to 6 September | Lawyers’ strike called by Rajasthan High Court Lawyers Association |
| Ongoing | Supreme Court Collegium examining complaint by Justice Sandeep Mehta |
Legal observers say the Collegium's decision and any subsequent orders will be determinative for administrative control of the High Court. Meanwhile, litigants are advised to check court listings and notifications before appearing in person, as transfers and re-notings of matters are expected during the period.
This development marks a rare and publicised confrontation within the judicial ecosystem of Rajasthan, reflecting tensions over administrative control and procedural transparency. How the Collegium responds and whether the impasse can be resolved without prolonged interruption to court business will be closely followed by legal practitioners across the State.
Reporting from the State capital.
