Justice Sanjay Kumar Agrawal has officially been sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court. The oath of office was administered by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade on Monday, marking a significant milestone in Justice Agrawal’s distinguished legal career.
The appointment was finalized by the Central government last week following a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium on August 31. Justice Agrawal’s judicial journey saw him first appointed as an additional judge of the Chhattisgarh High Court in September 2013, before being made a permanent judge in March 2016. His elevation to the role of Chief Justice comes during a period of notable controversy concerning the judiciary in Rajasthan.
The controversy centers around the conduct of Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, who had been serving as the Acting Chief Justice since September 2025. Allegations were raised by Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta, who recently addressed a letter to the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant. In this communication, Justice Mehta advocated for Justice Sharma’s transfer from Rajasthan and the appointment of a regular Chief Justice from a different High Court. The allegations against Justice Sharma involve concerns about his administrative decision-making and the management of court cases.
These accusations have sparked significant unrest, leading to lawyer protests at both the Jaipur and Jodhpur benches of the Rajasthan High Court. The legal community has been vocal in its demand for Justice Sharma to be relieved of his duties as Acting Chief Justice. As these events unfold, Justice Sharma, who is nearing retirement later this month, has publicly refuted the allegations levelled against him.
Justice Agrawal’s appointment comes at a critical juncture and is expected to bring stability and integrity to the Rajasthan High Court. His extensive experience and legal acumen are anticipated to foster trust and uphold the principles of justice within the state judiciary.
