In eye of storm, Rajasthan Chief Justice opts out of hearing cases

On Monday, August 31, 2026, a group of Rajasthan High Court advocates took matters into their own hands by staging a sit-in protest outside the courtroom of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma. The demonstrators were fueled by ongoing controversy and allegations surrounding Sharma's judicial and administrative actions. Their protest took place while a division bench of the acting Chief Justice and Justice Sangeeta Sharma was actively hearing cases.

The scene was charged with tension as the advocates raised their voices in opposition to Sharma, causing an unprecedented stir in the ongoing conflict between a segment of the legal community and the court's head. This dramatic turn of events unfolded shortly after Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta had penned three letters to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, each detailing serious grievances against Sharma and urging his transfer from the Rajasthan High Court.

Mehta's accusations included gross maladministration, misuse of administrative powers, and a pattern of favoritism that marred the court's functioning. He further demanded the appointment of a permanent Chief Justice from another high court to restore order and integrity within the judiciary.