Jaipur Takes to Streets,Jodhpur Takes a Break, Acting Chief Justice Under Growing Pressure

A section of lawyers in Jaipur staged a protest on Monday outside the court of Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, the Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, amid growing controversy surrounding allegations of misuse of power against him. The protest comes after Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta wrote to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant raising concerns about the functioning of the Acting Chief Justice and seeking action in the matter. In Jodhpur, both lawyers’ associations announced a strike until Sunday, demanding that Justice Sharma be relieved of his judicial and administrative responsibilities. The Jodhpur lawyers said they would approach the President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and senior most judge of the Supreme Court Collegium with a set of demands. Their demands include the removal of the Acting Chief Justice, the appointment of a permanent and full time Chief Justice for the Rajasthan High Court, and discontinuation of the targeted filing system. According to the lawyer, the targeted filing system has adversely affected their work life balance and created difficulties in the day to day functioning of the legal community. The latest developments follow the public disclosure of letters written by Justice Mehta to CJI Surya Kant earlier this month. Justice Mehta sent letters dated August 2, August 10 and August 17, with copies also sent to other members of the Supreme Court Collegium. In the letters, he alleged mis use of powers by Justice Sharma and referred to what he described as several complaints that, in his view, raised questions about the Acting CJ integrity. Justice Mehta also sought the transfer of Justice Sharma to another High Court and called for the appointment of a new Chief Justice. The controversy has now moved beyond correspondence within the judiciary, with sections of the legal community taking their concerns to the streets and announcing collective action. However, the allegations remain allegations and should be distinguished from established findings. Any decision concerning the Acting Chief Justice’s position would ultimately depend on the appropriate judicial and constitutional processes. With protests in Jaipur and a strike in Jodhpur, pressure is mounting for authorities to address the concerns raised by lawyers and the allegations contained in Justice Mehta letters, while ensuring that the independence and functioning of the judiciary are protected.