On the Supreme Court's website, 21 Supreme Court judges and the Chief Justice of India have disclosed their financial holdings and liabilities

Judicial accountability has been a topic of discussion in India for a long time, especially regarding financial transparency and ethical norms.

In contrast to elected officials or public servants, judges are not required by law to disclose their assets to the public.

The present disclosure came after a decision by the Full Court, intended to enhance public confidence in the judiciary.

Chronology of Significant Events

Year Occasion

1997 Initial Full Court Decision under CJI J.S. Verma suggests judges should declare assets to the Chief Justice.

In 2009, a Full Court decided to permit the voluntary release of judges’ asset information on the SC website.

In 2009, the Delhi High Court ruled that such declarations qualify as “information” according to Section 2(f) of the RTI Act, 2005.

In 2019, the Constitution Bench determined that the CJI qualifies as a "public authority" according to the RTI Act, with asset disclosure benefitting the public interest while not infringing upon privacy.

In 2025, the Supreme Court starts to proactively publish the assets of current judges, including information about their family connections, on its website.

Importance of the asset declaration by SC

Encourages Transparency: It strengthens the judiciary's dedication to transparency and moral behavior.

Establishes Public Confidence: It aids in addressing views of judicial favoritism or partiality.

Constitutional Morality: It corresponds with principles such as integrity and accountability embedded in the Preamble and Part IV – Directive Principles of State Policy of the Indian Constitution.

Requirement for Trust and Integrity in the Judicial System

Judiciary as the Protector of the Constitution: The judiciary is essential in maintaining the Constitution, safeguarding fundamental rights, and providing checks and balances.

Ensuring Responsibility: An absence of integrity within the judiciary may result in judicial postponements or the abuse of authority, which erodes justice and fosters inequality. Disclosure of public assets is a measure to guarantee accountability.

Institutional Stability: During periods of political turmoil or social upheaval, the judiciary serves as a stabilizing influence. A reliable judiciary can address constitutional crises and strengthen national unity.