Supreme Court Names Justice Sanjay K Agarwal as Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice

The Supreme Court Collegium, on 12 September 2024, recommended Justice Sanjay K Agarwal as the next Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, a decision that will replace the current acting chief justice who has been in office for almost a year. Agarwal, who has served as a judge of the Rajasthan High Court since 2018, is known for his strict adherence to procedural norms and a record of swift judgments in civil matters.

Justice Agarwal’s appointment follows a period of unrest in the Rajasthan judiciary, where bar associations had protested against the administrative decisions of the acting chief justice. The protests intensified after accusations of misuse of administrative powers and interference in case listings were raised, prompting the bar to call for a permanent chief justice.

The Collegium’s recommendation is expected to bring stability to the court’s leadership. Agarwal’s experience and reputation for impartiality are seen as assets that will help restore confidence among the legal fraternity and the public.

The Rajasthan High Court, headquartered in Jaipur, will now have a permanent chief justice who is expected to oversee case management reforms and improve the court’s efficiency. The appointment is also a signal that the Supreme Court is keen to address the concerns raised by the bar and to ensure smooth functioning of the state’s highest court.