CJI Surya Kant Says Rajasthan High Court Judge Complaints Must Follow Institutional Process
NETB24
New Delhi, August 27, 2026: Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant has responded to reports concerning complaints made by Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta about the functioning of Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma.
The CJI said the concerns raised by Justice Mehta have been taken note of and are being examined at the appropriate institutional level. However, he made it clear that allegations involving a sitting judge cannot be treated as established facts merely because they have appeared in media reports.
Justice Surya Kant stressed that any such matter must be handled through the established judicial and administrative mechanisms. He said Justice Sharma must also be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before any conclusion is reached.
According to the CJI, decisions concerning the continuation, transfer or any other administrative action involving the Acting Chief Justice would be taken only by the competent authority after considering the material submitted by Justice Mehta and the response from Justice Sharma.
The CJI further cautioned against resolving complaints concerning judges through competing claims in the media, emphasising that institutional procedures must be followed rather than allowing public reports to determine the outcome.
Justice Mehta, whose parent High Court is Rajasthan, had reportedly written three letters dated August 2, August 10 and August 17, 2026, seeking the appointment of a regular Chief Justice for the Rajasthan High Court in place of the acting arrangement.
In his communications, Justice Mehta reportedly referred to information received from other High Court judges and other sources while raising allegations of alleged “gross maladministration” and “seriously questionable activities” concerning Justice Sharma.
The allegations have not been established as findings against Justice Sharma, and the CJI has stressed that the matter must be examined fairly through the appropriate institutional process.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Collegium is working on the appointment of regular Chief Justices to various High Courts. Justice S.P. Sharma, who is currently serving as Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, is scheduled to retire on September 26, 2026.
