Justice Manish Sharma Sworn in as Rajasthan High Court Judge, Number of Judges Rises to 34

Jodhpur: In a formal ceremony held at the Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur, Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Srivastava administered the oath of office and secrecy to newly appointed Justice Manish Sharma. With his appointment, the total number of judges in the Rajasthan High Court has now risen to 34, against a sanctioned strength of 50.

Appointment and Delayed Approval

Justice Manish Sharma was appointed to the Rajasthan High Court from the Advocate Quota, with his appointment warrant issued last Friday. His name was initially recommended by the Rajasthan High Court Collegium in 2021 and later endorsed by the Supreme Court Collegium. However, his appointment was delayed at the Central Government level. After receiving final approval from the Centre, the President of India issued the official appointment warrant, following which the Ministry of Law and Justice notified the appointment.

Legal Career and Contributions

Justice Manish Sharma has been an advocate since 1993 and has practiced across multiple judicial forums, including the Supreme Court of India and the Rajasthan High Court. Prior to his elevation, he was a prominent practitioner at the Jaipur Bench of the Rajasthan High Court.

Rajasthan High Court: History and Current Strength

The Rajasthan High Court, headquartered in Jodhpur, was established on June 21, 1949, following the integration of princely states into the Union of India. Initially, it had a sanctioned strength of 20 judges, which has progressively increased over the years. The court also operates a permanent bench in Jaipur to handle cases originating from that region.

Currently, with Justice Sharma’s appointment, the Rajasthan High Court has 34 judges. However, with a sanctioned strength of 50, there remains a shortfall of 16 judges, highlighting the need for further appointments to address the backlog of cases and ensure the swift delivery of justice.

Need for More Appointments

The Rajasthan High Court, like many other high courts in India, has been grappling with a shortage of judges, leading to delays in judicial proceedings. The addition of Justice Sharma is expected to bolster judicial efficiency, but further appointments are needed to bring the court to its full strength.

With this latest swearing-in, legal experts and bar associations continue to urge the government to expedite pending judicial appointments, ensuring that justice delivery remains smooth and efficient in Rajasthan.