Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma has issued a statement denying the allegations made by Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta of manipulation of case listings and misuse of administrative powers.
Justice Mehta had made the allegations in letters sent to the Chief Justice of India and called for the appointment of a Chief Justice from another State in the Rajasthan High Court with immediate effect.
Now, Justice Sharma has broken his silence over the controversy.
In a statement released to the media, the judge said that the allegations against him were baseless and made by Justice Mehta out of some resentment. In the statement written in Hindi, Justice Sharma said:
“In light of the recent developments circulating in the media and on social media, I wish to clarify that I refute all these allegations. All the allegations are baseless and have been made by the Hon'ble Judge out of resentment."
I have full faith in the Indian judicial system. Once the appropriate time arrives and I receive approval from the CJI, I will personally appear before the media to present my side; until then, I request everyone to remain patient.Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma
Justice Sharma says that he has explained his position to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and refuted the allegations against him with supporting evidence. He termed the allegations made by Justice Mehta baseless, false and factually incorrect and urged the media and Bar members to exercise restraint in the matter.
"I earnestly appeal to the media, my fellow members of the Bar and others to uphold the principles of justice and exercise patience until the Chief Justice of India (CJI) delivers a decision. I have full faith in the Indian judicial system. Once the appropriate time arrives and I receive approval from the CJI, I will personally appear before the media to present my side; until then, I request everyone to remain patient," he said.
Amid lawyers' protests for Justice Sharma's removal as Acting Chief Justice, the Collegium has recommended Justice Sanjay K Agarwal's appointment as Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court.
After Justice Mehta's communications to the CJI were reported by the media, the CJI released a statement revealing that the Collegium was examining the allegations and that Justice Sharma would be given an opportunity to respond before any conclusion was reached.
Following the lawyers' protests, Justice Sharma on August 31 decided to stop holding court from September 1 to September 05.
He is due to retire on September 26.