The decision of Rajasthan High Court acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma to stop holding court was not the consequence of any intervention by or direction from the Supreme Court but was a voluntary decision taken by the judge himself in view of the controversy over his continuance as the acting Chief Justice.
Sources aware of the developments confirmed to Bar & Bench that Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant received a communication sent by Justice Sharma to the Supreme Court administration.
The CJI was holding court on Monday when Justice Sharma's communication reached the Registrar General of the Supreme Court. The CJI was apprised of the communication only after he returned to his chambers following court proceedings.
In his communication, Justice Sharma conveyed that he was voluntarily stepping away from holding court in view of the controversy.
The development came amid protests at the Rajasthan High Court with lawyers resorting to strike against Justice Sharma, demanding that he be divested of his charge as the acting Chief Justice and that a permanent Chief Justice be appointed to the High Court.
The Rajasthan High Court Lawyers Association announced a complete strike till September 6 after an emergency general house meeting on Monday.
The protests by lawyers stemmed from allegations made by Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta against Justice Sharma.
As first reported by Bar & Bench, Justice Mehta had written to the CJI Surya Kant alleging manipulation of case listings and misuse of administrative powers by Justice Sharma.
The CJI subsequently said that the Collegium was examining the allegations and that Justice Sharma would be given an opportunity to respond before any conclusion was reached.
These revelations triggered protests by lawyers, prompting Justice Sharma to step away from his role as acting Chief Justice.
Pertinently, the Supreme Court Collegium on Monday evening recommended the appointment of Justice Sanjay K Agrawal of the Chhattisgarh High Court as the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court.
This move is likely to address the immediate demand by the Rajasthan High Court bar.