The Supreme Court Collegium on Monday recommended Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal of the Chhattisgarh High Court for appointment as Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court. The recommendation came days after letters written by Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta, accusing Acting Chief Justice S.P. Sharma of “favouritism” and misconduct, became public. Justice Mehta had also sought a regular Chief Justice for the court.

Hours before the recommendation, Acting Chief Justice Sharma decided to abstain from judicial work from September 1 to 5. The Rajasthan High Court administration issued an amended roster for that period, assigning public interest litigation matters to a different bench. Two Jodhpur bar associations had extended their boycott of Sharma until September 6, demanding he be kept away from judicial and administrative duties.

The Collegium also recommended Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati as Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir High Court. The move ends a nearly yearlong stint under the acting chief justice in Rajasthan.