Supreme Court Judges to Publicly Disclose Assets: A Landmark Move for Judicial Transparency

In a significant step towards greater judicial transparency, all 33 sitting judges of the Supreme Court of India have unanimously agreed to disclose their assets by publishing them on the top court’s official website. This landmark decision was taken during a full court meeting held on April 1, 2025, and will also apply to all future judges appointed to the apex court.

A New Era of Judicial Accountability

The resolution marks a crucial shift in the judiciary’s approach to public accountability, especially in light of recent controversies surrounding alleged financial irregularities within the judicial system. The decision follows heightened scrutiny after a significant amount of unaccounted cash was reportedly found at the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court.

Previously, the disclosure of assets by Supreme Court judges was voluntary. Although a 1997 resolution mandated that judges declare their assets to the Chief Justice of India (CJI), there was no requirement to make such disclosures public. A subsequent resolution in 2009 allowed judges to publish their asset details on the court website, but it remained discretionary until now.

Historical Background: The Journey Toward Transparency

The judiciary’s commitment to financial disclosure dates back to 1997, when a resolution required Supreme Court judges to submit details of their assets to the CJI. This step was taken to promote internal accountability but stopped short of public disclosure.

In 2009, following mounting public pressure and growing demands for transparency, the Supreme Court took a progressive step by allowing judges to voluntarily publish their asset details online. Despite this, the practice remained inconsistent, with many judges opting not to make their financial details public.

The Road Ahead

With the new resolution, the Supreme Court has set a precedent for openness and accountability. The decision is expected to enhance public trust in the judiciary and reinforce confidence in the integrity of India’s legal system. Moving forward, transparency advocates hope that this move will encourage similar disclosures across lower courts and judicial bodies, further strengthening the rule of law in the country.

This resolution signifies a defining moment in the evolution of India’s judiciary, ensuring that those entrusted with upholding justice remain accountable to the very principles they are sworn to protect.