30 Judges of the Supreme Court File Asset Declarations
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Synopsis
On April 3, 2023, the Supreme Court of India announced that 30 of its judges have submitted their asset declarations as part of a transparency initiative. This move aims to uphold integrity within the judiciary while allowing for voluntary public access to these declarations.
Key Takeaways
- 30 out of 33 Supreme Court judges have declared their assets.
- Asset declarations are to be made upon assuming office and for significant acquisitions.
- Declarations include those of the Chief Justice of India.
- Public disclosure of assets is on a voluntary basis.
- Confidentiality of declarations is maintained.
New Delhi, April 3 (NationPress) In an effort to promote transparency within the judiciary, all Judges of the Supreme Court have consented to publicly declare their assets.
At present, the apex court operates with a total of 33 judges, and thus far, 30 judges have submitted their asset declarations, according to information on the official website.
The Supreme Court is intended to operate with a sanctioned strength of 34 judges, which includes the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
As stated on the Supreme Court's official website, "The Full Court of the Supreme Court of India has determined that Judges are to declare their assets upon assuming office and whenever they make any significant acquisition, reporting to the Chief Justice."
This requirement also extends to declarations from the CJI.
Moreover, the publication of these asset declarations on the Supreme Court website will be conducted on a voluntary basis. During a Full Court Meeting on May 7, 1997, it was resolved that each Judge should declare all assets, whether in the form of real estate or investments (held in their own name or in the name of their spouse or any dependent), within a reasonable timeframe after taking office.
The declaration must be made to the Chief Justice of the Court, who is also required to make a similar declaration for record-keeping purposes. The declarations by both the Judges and the Chief Justice shall remain confidential, as per the information provided.
In August 2009, the Full Bench agreed to make the asset statements submitted by Judges publicly accessible by posting them on the Supreme Court website, but this will be done voluntarily.
