Overview

• Justice Sharad Kumar Sharma disclosed on August 13 at the NCLAT Chennai Bench that a revered higher-court figure sought a favourable order in an appeal tied to a Hyderabad-based company’s CIRP.
• He immediately stepped aside before pronouncing judgment and formally recorded the approach in his order.
• Lawyers in court were reportedly shown recent call logs to support his disclosure.
• The NCLAT chairperson will reassign the case to a different bench for a complete rehearing.
• Technical Member Jatindranath Swain raised concerns about the process’s integrity, and the recusal adds to earlier instances involving Jeppiar Cements, Shri Ramalinga Mills and Byju’s-related matters.