'Justice Sharma deserves fair chance to respond': CJI on Rajasthan HC chief justice row

Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant announced on Wednesday that the collegium is currently working on appointing new chief justices for the remaining high courts, following the controversy caused by allegations from Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta against Rajasthan High Court acting chief justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma.

In a press statement, Kant emphasized that the concerns raised by Mehta must be addressed through established institutional procedures. He stressed that allegations against a sitting judge should be handled strictly within the established institutional mechanisms. Kant also stated that the contents of Mehta's letters could not be judged in the public domain and that Justice Sharma must be given a fair opportunity to respond before any conclusion can be reached.

Kant emphasized the need for due process in dealing with complaints against higher judiciary members. He noted that the matter was being examined at the appropriate level and that the process would consider both Mehta's allegations and Sharma's response. Any decision on Sharma's future, whether it involves his continuation, transfer, or other administrative actions, will be made by the appropriate institutional authority after considering all the material presented, Kant concluded.