Rajasthan High Court Advocates Protest Against Acting CJ, Demand Transfer

Advocates staged a sit‑in outside the courtroom of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma at the Rajasthan High Court on Monday, August 31, 2026, intensifying a protest that has escalated tensions between a section of the Bar and the court’s top judge. The demonstration took place while a division bench, consisting of Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Sangeeta Sharma, heard pending cases. Slogans calling for the removal of Justice Sharma were raised, marking an unprecedented escalation in the conflict over his judicial and administrative conduct.

The sit‑in came days after Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta sent three letters to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. In the letters, Mehta alleged that Justice Sharma had engaged in “gross maladministration,” abused administrative powers, and shown favoritism in the functioning of the Rajasthan High Court. He also raised concerns about the court’s case‑listing practices and requested the appointment of a regular Chief Justice from another high court.

The protest at the Jaipur court was organized by a coalition of Rajasthan Bar Association members who argue that Justice Sharma’s decisions and management of the court have compromised the integrity of the judiciary. The advocates remained outside the courtroom, holding placards and chanting slogans demanding the transfer of the acting chief justice. The sit‑in did not disrupt the hearing, as the bench continued to sit and deliberate on the cases before them.

Justice Sangeeta Sharma, who sat with Justice Sharma on the bench, has not yet issued a public statement regarding the allegations or the protest. The Rajasthan High Court’s official website notes that the bench is currently hearing criminal and civil appeals, but no details about the specific cases were disclosed. The court’s administration has confirmed that the sit‑in was allowed to proceed under the guidance of the court’s security personnel, and that no arrests were made.

Justice Mehta’s letters to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant were published in the Supreme Court’s official docket. In them, he cited specific instances of administrative mismanagement, including delays in case disposal and irregularities in the allocation of judges. He also referenced the alleged use of administrative powers to influence case assignments in a manner that favored certain parties. Mehta’s appeal for a transfer of Justice Sharma has added a national dimension to what has been a state‑level controversy.

The Rajasthan Bar Association has called for a review of the allegations and for an independent inquiry into the administrative practices of the High Court. In a statement, the association said that the sit‑in was a last resort after attempts to engage the court’s administrative officers had failed. The association also urged the Supreme Court to expedite its investigation into the allegations, arguing that the integrity of the judiciary depends on accountability at all levels.

The incident raises questions about the balance between judicial independence and accountability. While the judiciary is protected from interference, the allegations of maladministration and favoritism, if proven, could undermine public confidence in the legal system. Legal analysts suggest that the Supreme Court may appoint an ad hoc panel to examine the claims and recommend remedial action, possibly including the appointment of a regular chief justice.

The sit‑in is expected to continue until a resolution is reached or the court’s administrative office provides a definitive response. The Rajasthan High Court has indicated that it will maintain regular court proceedings, but the presence of protesting advocates outside the courtroom may prompt additional security measures.

The controversy has attracted attention from legal scholars and media outlets across India, and it is likely to influence discussions on judicial reforms. The outcome of the Supreme Court’s investigation into Justice Sharma’s conduct could set a precedent for how similar allegations are handled in other high courts.

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