Chief Justice seeks response after Supreme Court judge's complaints about Rajasthan acting chief justice

In New Delhi, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant announced that he has formally asked Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma of the Rajasthan High Court to address three letters submitted by Supreme Court judge Sandeep Mehta. Mehta, who also serves on the Rajasthan High Court, has repeatedly called for Sharma’s transfer before his retirement on Sept 26 and for a permanent chief justice to be appointed, citing a lack of leadership and alleged maladministration.

Kant emphasized that such complaints must be handled through the court’s internal mechanisms, not through public media battles, and that the allegations alone do not constitute a finding of guilt. He noted that an in-house committee of judges would be convened if the response is unsatisfactory and the charges are deemed serious. While on a three-day official trip to Germany, Kant confirmed he has already sought Sharma’s reply and that the issue is now under review. The chief justice also warned against turning the dispute into a public trial.