Who is Justice Sandeep Mehta?

Justice Sandeep Mehta was recently elevated as a judge of Supreme Court in 2023. SC Collegium gave a recommendation of his name as a judge of SC on 6^th November 2023. He will retire on 10^th January 2025. He was born on 11^th January 1963. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor degree in law.

What is the Career Journey of Justice Sandeep Mehta?

• Justice Sandeep Mehta practiced in Trial Courts, the High Court, and the SC, serving as Counsel for the Commission in three Judicial Enquiry Commissions led by both retired and sitting Hon'ble Judges of the HC.
• He served as a member of the Bar Council of Rajasthan from 2003 to 2009 and again in 2009.
• He held the position of Vice-Chairman in the Bar Council of Rajasthan during 2004-2005 and became the Chairman in 2010.
• He achieved elevation as an Additional Judge of the Rajasthan HC on 30^th May 2011, and later became a permanent Judge on 6^th February 2013.
• He took oath as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati HC on 15^th February 2023.
• Further he was elevated to the position of a Judge in the SC of India on 9^th November 2023.

What are the Notable Judgments of Justice Sandeep Mehta?

• Dinesh Suthar v. State of Rajasthan (2019):
  • The division bench also constituting of Justice Sandeep Mehta allowed a Habeas Corpus application.
  • The court received wife's testimony, confirming her contentment at Nari Niketan.
  • As a government teacher, she expressed a desire to join her petitioner-husband willingly.
  • Concerned about societal pressures, she sought police protection.
  • Acknowledging her educated status and free will, the court ordered her release, police assistance until reaching her matrimonial home, and safeguarding against external pressures on her parents.
• Hindustan Corporation Ltd. v. Union of India (2022):
  • The division bench also consisting of Justice Sandeep Mehta overturned the decision made by the Joint Commissioner of State Goods and Services Tax (GST) regarding the late payment of taxes due to the infringement of Section 75(6) of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (CGST Act).
  • The court determined that the Officer failed to consider the petitioner's response when issuing the order, describing it as insufficient and lacking substance.
  • In nullifying the order, the court emphasized that the order was bad on account of non-application of the mind by the appropriate Government and infringed the mandatory provision of Section 75(6) of the CGST Act.
• Mohan Lal v. State (2022):
  • The division bench of Rajasthan HC also consisting of Justice Sandeep Mehta allowed a plea of insanity of appellant husband convicted for dowry death of his wife.
  • The court held that “We are persuaded to accept the plea of insanity advanced on behalf of the appellant to overturn his conviction as recorded by the trial court by the impugned Judgment”.
• All Assam Transgender Association v. The State of Assam (2023):
  • The bench of Gauhati HC also consisting of Justice Sandeep Mehta directed the respondents (Assam Government) to expedite the process of constituting the Transgender Welfare Board in terms of the guidelines of Assam State Policy for Transgender Persons and to complete the same within the next 6 (six) weeks of the order in this case.