‘Doubts on integrity’: Supreme Court judge on Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice

In a series of three letters, Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta has accused Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice S P Sharma of misconduct, including misuse of power, roster manipulation, nepotism, and administrative lapses. Mehta, who also hails from Rajasthan, requested the Supreme Court Collegium to transfer Sharma to another High Court and appoint a new Chief Justice from another High Court.

The allegations come after Sharma was transferred to the Patna High Court in 2022 and then to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2023, despite his request to return to Rajasthan due to health concerns. Mehta claims that Sharma has exhibited poor leadership qualities and behavior unbecoming of a leader more than once. The letters also allege that Sharma has deliberately humiliated Mehta by excluding his names from a conference invitation and a foundation stone-laying ceremony without informing them.

Additionally, Mehta accuses Sharma of indulging in nepotism and favoritism while delaying the inauguration of a newly constructed Jodhpur District Court building for nearly a year.