Says allegations were aimed at blocking his elevation as Chief Justice or consideration for another position; submits response with documents to CJI Surya Kant

Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma has broken his silence over allegations concerning his conduct and functioning as a judge, describing them as “false and concocted” and alleging that a campaign was deliberately launched against him to influence the Supreme Court Collegium.

Speaking to The Times of India on Wednesday, Justice Sharma said the allegations were intended to prevent him from being appointed as the full-time Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court or from being considered for elevation to another constitutional position.

“Let me tell you, all these allegations against me are false and concocted. This was done only to deny me the opportunity to be the Chief Justice (of Rajasthan High Court) or elevation to any other position,” he said.

The remarks came two days after the Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Sanjay K Agrawal of the Chhattisgarh High Court as the next Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court.

Allegations Raised Before CJI Surya Kant

Justice Sharma has faced scrutiny following communications reportedly sent by Supreme Court Judge Justice Sandeep Mehta to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, raising allegations concerning the alleged misuse of powers and corruption at the Rajasthan High Court.

Justice Sharma said he has already placed his position before CJI Surya Kant and has specifically responded to the allegations contained in Justice Mehta’s letters.

“I have submitted my position to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. I have also refuted, with evidence, the baseless allegations made by Justice Mehta in his letters to CJI,” Justice Sharma said.

He added that his response contains documentary material supporting his position and that he intends to make a detailed public response at an appropriate stage.

‘Small Group of Lawyers’ Behind Campaign, Says Justice Sharma

Justice Sharma also alleged that a section of lawyers associated with the Jaipur Bar Association had separately attempted to malign him at a time when the Supreme Court Collegium was expected to consider his candidature.

According to Justice Sharma, a “small group of lawyers” raised slogans outside his courtroom and circulated videos of the incident.

He alleged that the objective was not merely to register a protest but to ensure that the campaign came to the attention of members of the Supreme Court Collegium.

The Acting Chief Justice also referred to the strike undertaken by two bar associations in Jodhpur, alleging that the protest was initiated “at the behest of somebody intending to spoil my image.”

Justice Sharma, however, did not identify the person or persons whom he believed were behind the alleged campaign.

Appeals for Restraint

While denying the allegations, Justice Sharma appealed to the media, lawyers and others to exercise restraint until the matter is considered by the Chief Justice of India.

“Anyone can stand up and can say anything... I have full faith in the Indian judicial system,” he said.

His comments indicate that he intends to rely on the institutional process to address the allegations rather than engage in a public confrontation over them.

Highlights Tenure as Acting Chief Justice

Defending his record as Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, Justice Sharma pointed to several initiatives undertaken during his tenure.

Among them, he highlighted an international conference on cybercrime, stating that Rajasthan had emerged as a “whistleblower” through the initiative.

He also referred to the situation he encountered when he assumed charge as Acting Chief Justice, when employees of subordinate courts were reportedly on strike.

According to Justice Sharma, the strike had continued for about a month but was called off within two days of his intervention.

“Employees were on strike for a month when I took charge. It was called off within two days of my intervention,” he said.

Symposium for Women Lawyers Also Highlighted

Justice Sharma further referred to a symposium organised for women lawyers during his tenure.

The programme provided a platform for women advocates to discuss their experiences, professional struggles and perspectives regarding the judiciary.

By highlighting these initiatives, Justice Sharma sought to place his record as Acting Chief Justice in the broader context of administrative and institutional reforms undertaken during his tenure.

Collegium Recommends Justice Sanjay K Agrawal

The controversy comes against the backdrop of the Supreme Court Collegium’s recent decision to recommend Justice Sanjay K Agrawal, a judge of the Chhattisgarh High Court, for appointment as the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court.

The recommendation effectively brings to an end the possibility of Justice Sharma continuing as the permanent Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, while questions concerning the allegations against him remain before the Chief Justice of India.

Justice Sharma has maintained that he has already submitted his detailed position to CJI Surya Kant and has refuted the allegations with documentary evidence.

He has also indicated that a detailed public response may be issued at an appropriate time.

Source:- The Times of India