Advocates at both the Jodhpur and Jaipur benches of the Rajasthan High Court went on strike against Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, with police called in to disperse protesting lawyers in Jaipur.
The advocates raised slogans against Justice Sharma as part of the protest. Visuals from the demonstration showed lawyers voicing their opposition to the Acting Chief Justice.
The agitation comes amid allegations levelled against Justice Sharma by Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta concerning the exercise of administrative powers and case listings at the Rajasthan High Court.
Justice Mehta recently wrote to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant accusing the Acting Chief Justice of manipulating case listings and misusing his administrative authority. He also urged the CJI to appoint a Chief Justice from another State to head the Rajasthan High Court with immediate effect.
Following the allegations, CJI Surya Kant said in a press statement that the Supreme Court Collegium was examining the matter. He also said Justice Sharma would be given an opportunity to respond before any conclusion was reached.
Jodhpur Bar Associations To Meet
Meanwhile, bar associations in Jodhpur are scheduled to meet at noon to determine their next course of action against the Acting Chief Justice, according to sources.
The protesting advocates are seeking to convert the meeting into a general house and press for a decision to continue the agitation through an indefinite strike.
