Supreme Court Judges to Voluntarily Disclose Assets on Official Website

New Delhi: In a significant move towards promoting judicial transparency, Supreme Court judges have unanimously agreed to make their asset declarations public upon assuming office. The decision was taken during a full court meeting on Thursday, where it was resolved that asset details would be accessible on the Supreme Court’s official website.

According to the apex court’s website, the disclosure will remain voluntary, allowing judges the discretion to decide whether to make their financial details public. As of now, 30 judges, including Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, have submitted their asset declarations.

“The full court of the Supreme Court had resolved that judges should make a declaration of their assets on assuming office, and whenever any acquisition of a substantial nature is made, to the Chief Justice. This also includes declaration(s) by the Chief Justice of India. Placing the declaration of assets on the Supreme Court website will be on a voluntary basis,” the SC website stated.

Although all Supreme Court judges have reportedly submitted their asset declarations, these details have not yet been made public. This decision follows a recent controversy surrounding the alleged discovery of burnt bundles of cash at the official residence of Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma after a fire incident.

In response to the controversy, the law ministry issued a notification announcing Justice Varma’s transfer from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court. However, Justice Varma has strongly refuted any allegations, stating that neither he nor his family members ever stored cash in the storeroom of his residence.

The Supreme Court’s move to disclose asset declarations voluntarily is expected to bolster public trust in the judiciary and enhance accountability within the legal system.