Rajasthan HC row: rtd. acting chief justice seeks SOPs for judges

Jaipur: Former Rajasthan High Court acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma has called for standard operating procedures (SOPs) governing how Supreme Court and high court judges handle matters involving fellow judges, arguing that clear institutional rules are needed to preserve judicial discipline, the Times of India reported.

Sharma, who retired on September 26, said existing judgments on the subject provided a sufficient basis for developing formal guidelines. He expressed concern that the episode involving his tenure could otherwise set a precedent for Supreme Court judges intervening in the functioning of high courts in states with which they have a connection.

He stressed that protecting the judiciary’s institutional dignity and maintaining public confidence required strict discipline across the legal and judicial fraternity. Sharma also raised concerns about caste-based attitudes among judges and lawyers.

His remarks follow an unusual dispute involving Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta, a former Rajasthan High Court judge. Mehta had written to the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, in August, alleging irregularities in Sharma’s functioning as acting Chief Justice and seeking his transfer. The allegations included claims of administrative overreach and manipulation of case listings, though they have not been established as judicial findings.

Sharma said he had submitted his responses to the allegations and requested an opportunity to cross-examine Mehta. He also indicated that he wanted greater clarity on the allegations despite having retired, while acknowledging that the CJI had described the matter as confidential.

According to Sharma, the controversy had damaged his personal reputation as well as the judiciary’s image. He said he was awaiting a response from the Supreme Court and stressed the need to prevent similar institutional conflicts from recurring.