Misuse of power: Lawyers strike against Rajasthan acting Chief Justice
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Jaipur: Lawyers at the Rajasthan High Court’s Jaipur and Jodhpur benches have launched a strike against Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, with police called in to disperse protesting advocates in Jaipur, according to Bar and Bench.
The protests have intensified following allegations made by Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta, who wrote to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, accusing Sharma of manipulating case listings and misusing his administrative powers. Mehta had sought the appointment of a Chief Justice from another state to head the Rajasthan High Court.
The Supreme Court Collegium is examining the allegations, with CJI Surya Kant stating that Sharma would be given an opportunity to respond before any conclusion is reached.
At Jaipur, protesting lawyers raised slogans against the Acting Chief Justice, while the police intervened as the agitation escalated.
Meanwhile, Jodhpur bar associations are scheduled to meet to decide their next course of action. Protesters are reportedly seeking to convert the meeting into a general house and press for an indefinite strike, signalling a further escalation in the confrontation over the functioning of the Rajasthan High Court.