The Rajasthan High Court Advocates’ Association in Jodhpur announced it will proceed with a strike on Tuesday against Acting Chief Justice Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma. The strike follows a Supreme Court Collegium recommendation, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, to appoint Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal of the Chhattisgarh High Court as the permanent chief justice of the Rajasthan High Court. The association said a meeting later in the day will determine its next steps.
The collegium’s recommendation arrived hours after Justice Sharma took leave following a protest by a group of advocates outside his courtroom at the Jaipur bench. The protest was prompted by allegations raised by Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta concerning judicial administration and case listings. While some advocates demonstrated in Jaipur, lawyers at the principal seat in Jodhpur declared a week‑long strike beginning Tuesday, demanding that Sharma not be confirmed as chief justice.
Ranjeet Joshi, president of the Jodhpur Advocates’ Association, confirmed the strike will be observed on Tuesday but added that the association will reconvene later to decide its future course. Jaipur Bar Association president Rajeev Sogarwal said court operations are expected to continue normally in Jaipur, emphasizing that advocates hold no personal animosity toward Justice Sharma and welcoming the appointment of a new chief justice.
Justice Mehta had sent three letters to the chief justice of India, alleging gross maladministration, misuse of administrative powers and favouritism by Justice Sharma, and seeking his transfer out of Rajasthan. Advocates, including Indresh Sharma of the Jaipur bench, welcomed the collegium’s decision, noting that resolving the controversy is essential to maintaining public confidence in the judiciary.
