In a significant development amid the ongoing administrative and judicial controversy at the Rajasthan High Court, the Supreme Court Collegium has recommended Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal of the Chhattisgarh High Court for appointment as the next Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court.

According to reports, the Collegium has also recommended the immediate transfer of Justice Agrawal from the Chhattisgarh High Court to the Rajasthan High Court.

The recommendation assumes significance as the Rajasthan High Court has recently witnessed protests by lawyers seeking the removal of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and the appointment of a permanent Chief Justice.

Immediate Transfer Also Recommended

A notable aspect of the Collegium's recommendation is the proposal for Justice Agrawal's immediate transfer to Rajasthan.

This would mean that even if the formal process for his appointment as Chief Justice takes some time, Justice Agrawal could join the Rajasthan High Court and function as its senior-most judge.

The recommendation is therefore being viewed as an important step towards providing the Rajasthan High Court with a permanent Chief Justice.

Who is Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal?

Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal is presently serving as a judge of the Chhattisgarh High Court.

He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Chhattisgarh High Court in September 2013 and was subsequently made a Permanent Judge in March 2016.

Before his elevation to the Bench, Justice Agrawal had also served as the Advocate General of Chhattisgarh.

His extensive judicial and administrative experience is likely to be significant if he assumes charge as Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court.

Background to Rajasthan High Court Controversy

The Collegium's recommendation comes against the backdrop of an ongoing controversy involving the administration of the Rajasthan High Court.

Lawyers have recently staged protests and announced a strike demanding that Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma be divested of his charge and that a permanent Chief Justice be appointed.

The developments have also followed allegations concerning the functioning of the High Court administration and case listings, making the proposed appointment of a new Chief Justice particularly significant.