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The Supreme Court of India has taken a significant step towards greater transparency and accountability within the judiciary by uploading the asset statements of its judges onto its official website. This move, a first of its kind, follows a full court decision made on April 1 to make these details publicly accessible. The release of asset declarations for 21 of the 33 sitting judges, including Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and the next three CJIs-in-waiting, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to enhance public trust and confidence in the judicial system. The decision to publish these statements underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding the principles of integrity and openness, aligning with broader global trends towards greater transparency in public office. The information made available provides a detailed snapshot of the judges' financial holdings, including bank deposits, fixed deposits, investments, properties, and liabilities. This level of disclosure offers the public an unprecedented opportunity to scrutinize the financial affairs of those entrusted with administering justice at the highest level of the nation's judicial system. The move is expected to foster a more informed public discourse about the judiciary's role and responsibilities, as well as its adherence to ethical standards. The decision to release asset statements is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is a concrete measure that has the potential to deter corruption and enhance public accountability. By making these details available for public scrutiny, the Supreme Court is signaling its determination to uphold the highest standards of integrity and impartiality. This level of transparency is crucial for maintaining public trust in the judicial system, which is essential for the rule of law and the effective functioning of a democratic society. Furthermore, the Supreme Court's decision to publish asset statements is likely to encourage other branches of government to adopt similar transparency measures. The precedent set by the judiciary could serve as a catalyst for broader reforms aimed at promoting good governance and combating corruption across the public sector. The impact of this initiative extends beyond the immediate realm of the judiciary, potentially influencing public perceptions of government accountability and ethical conduct. The information made available on the Supreme Court's website reveals a diverse range of financial holdings and asset portfolios among the judges. CJI Sanjiv Khanna, for example, holds a substantial amount in bank deposits and fixed deposits, as well as significant investments in the Public Provident Fund (PPF). He also owns two properties in Delhi, including a flat in a DDA complex and another in the Commonwealth Games Village. Justice BR Gavai, who is slated to become the next CJI, has disclosed bank deposits and PPF investments, as well as inherited property in Amravati, Maharashtra, and flats in Maharashtra and New Delhi. He also has liabilities amounting to Rs 1.3 crore. Justice Surya Kant, another senior judge in line for the top post, owns residential properties in Chandigarh, Gurugram, and Delhi, with fixed deposits exceeding Rs 6 crore. Justice AS Oka, nearing retirement, has significant investments in PPF and fixed deposits, and owns a car with an outstanding loan. Justice Vikram Nath declared investments worth Rs 1.5 crore and owns property in Noida and Prayagraj. Justice KV Viswanathan, a recent addition to the bench, announced investments totalling Rs 120.96 crore and tax payments of Rs 91.47 crore between 2010 and 2025, the highest among the disclosed statements. Justice Bela M Trivedi owns two houses in Ahmedabad and possesses jewellery valued at Rs 50 lakh. The detailed disclosure of these assets allows for a comprehensive understanding of the judges' financial positions, promoting greater transparency and potentially mitigating any concerns about conflicts of interest.
In addition to the judges' asset statements, the Supreme Court has also made public the complete process of appointments to both the high courts and the Supreme Court. This includes detailed information on the High Court Collegium's role, input from state governments and the Union of India, and the consideration process by the Supreme Court Collegium itself. By providing such extensive documentation, the Supreme Court aims to demystify the judicial appointment process and ensure that it is conducted in a fair and transparent manner. This level of disclosure can help to dispel any misconceptions about the selection of judges and build greater public confidence in the impartiality and competence of the judiciary. The publication of the appointment process also serves as a valuable resource for legal scholars, practitioners, and the general public, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which judges are selected and appointed. This increased awareness can foster a more informed debate about judicial reform and contribute to the ongoing efforts to strengthen the integrity and independence of the judiciary. Furthermore, the Supreme Court has posted information on the judicial appointments made between November 9, 2022, and May 5, 2025. This includes details such as the names of appointed judges, their respective high courts, their sources (whether from service or the Bar), the dates of their recommendations by the Collegium, dates of official notifications, and appointment dates. The availability of this data allows for a comprehensive analysis of recent judicial appointments, including the backgrounds and qualifications of the selected candidates. This transparency can help to ensure that appointments are made on merit and that the judiciary reflects the diversity of the Indian population. The data also includes whether the candidates belong to special categories such as SC/ST/OBC/Minority/Women, and whether any candidates are related to sitting or retired judges of the High Court or Supreme Court. This information is particularly important in addressing concerns about representation and nepotism in the judicial appointment process. By making this data publicly available, the Supreme Court is demonstrating its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the judiciary.
The move by the Supreme Court to publicly disclose judges’ assets and appointment processes is a landmark decision that reflects a growing global trend toward greater transparency in public institutions. The potential benefits of this initiative are far-reaching, including enhanced public trust, reduced corruption, and a more informed public discourse about the judiciary's role and responsibilities. While the publication of asset statements and appointment details may raise concerns about the privacy and security of judges, the Supreme Court has carefully weighed these considerations against the broader public interest in transparency and accountability. The decision to proceed with these disclosures underscores the judiciary's unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and impartiality. As this initiative unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on public perceptions of the judiciary and to assess whether it achieves its intended goals of promoting transparency and reducing corruption. The Supreme Court's decision to publish judges' asset statements and appointment processes is a courageous and forward-looking step that sets a positive example for other branches of government to follow. By embracing transparency and accountability, the judiciary is strengthening its legitimacy and reinforcing its role as a guardian of the rule of law in India. The long-term success of this initiative will depend on the continued commitment of the Supreme Court to maintaining transparency and responding to any challenges that may arise. The public disclosure of asset information is a significant step, but its effectiveness hinges on ensuring the data is easily accessible, understandable, and subject to public scrutiny. Furthermore, mechanisms for reporting and investigating potential discrepancies or conflicts of interest are crucial for ensuring accountability. Ultimately, the Supreme Court's commitment to transparency will contribute to a stronger, more trustworthy, and more effective judicial system in India, better serving the interests of justice and the public good. The disclosure is a positive step towards promoting accountability and potentially deterring corruption. Further analysis should consider the accessibility of the data to the average citizen and the mechanisms in place to address potential issues flagged by the public.
Source: Supreme Court makes judges' asset statements public for the first time: Check out who owns what