Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma has denied allegations made by Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta regarding manipulation of case listings and misuse of administrative powers.
Justice Mehta had raised the allegations in letters to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and sought the immediate appointment of a Chief Justice from another State to the Rajasthan High Court.
Justice Sharma has now issued a statement denying the allegations and giving his response to the controversy.
Justice Sharma Calls Allegations ‘Baseless’- In a statement released to the media, Justice Sharma said the allegations were baseless and had been made by Justice Mehta out of resentment.
In the statement written in Hindi, Justice Sharma
said:
“In light of the recent developments circulating in the media and on social media, I wish to clarify that I refute all these allegations. All the allegations are baseless and have been made by the Hon’ble Judge out of resentment.”
Justice Sharma said he has explained his position to CJI Surya Kant and refuted the allegations with supporting evidence. He described the allegations as baseless, false and factually incorrect.
Appeals for Restraint
Justice Sharma urged the media, members of the Bar and others to exercise restraint until the CJI reaches a decision.
“I earnestly appeal to the media, my fellow members of the Bar and others to uphold the principles of justice and exercise patience until the Chief Justice of India (CJI) delivers a decision. I have full faith in the Indian judicial system. Once the appropriate time arrives and I receive approval from the CJI, I will personally appear before the media to present my side; until then, I request everyone to remain patient,” he said.
Collegium Examining Allegations
The controversy emerged after Justice Mehta’s communications to the CJI were reported by the media.
Following the reports, CJI Surya Kant released a statement saying that the Collegium was examining the allegations and that Justice Sharma would be given an opportunity to respond before any conclusion was reached.
Amid protests by lawyers seeking Justice Sharma’s removal as Acting Chief Justice, the Collegium has recommended Justice Sanjay K Agarwal’s appointment as Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court.
Justice Sharma Stops Holding Court
Following the lawyers’ protests, Justice Sharma decided on August 31 to stop holding court from September 1 to September 5.
Justice Sharma is due to retire on September 26.
