CJI says allegations against Rajasthan HC acting chief must follow institutional process

Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta has written three letters to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant alleging misconduct and maladministration by Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, prompting the CJI to state that the matter will be handled through established institutional processes. The allegations, detailed in letters dated August 2, 10, and 17, 2026, include claims of favoritism, misuse of administrative powers, and threats against fellow judges.

In a statement issued on August 26, 2026, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant emphasized that allegations against a sitting judge must be dealt with strictly through the institutional mechanism and cannot be adjudicated in the public domain. He stated that the Supreme Court Collegium was already working on appointments of Chief Justices in remaining High Courts and had considered the issues flagged by Justice Mehta. The CJI made clear that the allegations cannot be treated as a finding against the judge and that Justice Sharma must be given a fair opportunity to respond. Any decision regarding the Acting Chief Justice's continuation, transfer, or other administrative action would be taken by the...