In a landmark move towards enhancing transparency and public trust, the Supreme Court of India has, for the first time, made public the asset declarations of its judges. This decision, announced on May 6, 2025, marks a significant shift in the judiciary's approach to accountability.
Historical Context
Traditionally, Supreme Court judges were required to submit their asset details to the Chief Justice of India (CJI), but these disclosures remained confidential. The 1997 resolution mandated such declarations, but without public access. A 2009 resolution allowed for voluntary public disclosure, yet it lacked uniform implementation.
Catalyst for Change
The recent decision follows a full court meeting on April 1, 2025, where all 33 sitting judges unanimously agreed to publicly declare their assets. This move was partly influenced by the controversy surrounding the alleged recovery of cash from the official premises of Justice Yashwant Varma, formerly of the Delhi High Court. The incident intensified calls for greater transparency within the judiciary.
Details of the Disclosure
As of now, asset declarations of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and 20 other judges have been uploaded on the Supreme Court's official website. These disclosures include details of personal holdings, as well as those of spouses and dependents. For instance, CJI Khanna has declared ₹55.75 lakh in fixed deposits and bank accounts, ₹1.06 crore in Public Provident Fund (PPF), and ownership of residential properties in Delhi and Gurugram.
Implications and Significance
This unprecedented move aligns the judiciary with other public institutions where asset disclosure is mandatory, such as the civil services and the legislature. It serves to reinforce public confidence in the judiciary and sets a precedent for transparency. Moreover, it responds to long-standing demands from civil society and legal activists for greater accountability within the judicial system.
Looking Ahead
While this initiative is commendable, it also raises questions about the consistency of such practices across all levels of the judiciary. As of March 2025, only 97 out of 770 High Court judges had publicly declared their assets. For this move to have a lasting impact, similar transparency measures need to be adopted uniformly across the judiciary.
