Supreme Court Mandates Public Asset Disclosure to Boost Judicial Transparency

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-04-09 08:48:52 | Last Updated by newadmin on 2025-07-29 17:55:53

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In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has mandated that all judges, including the Chief Justice, publicly declare their assets, marking a significant shift towards judicial transparency and accountability. This move follows a recent scandal involving a Delhi High Court judge found with large amounts of unaccounted cash, triggering public concern over corruption within the judiciary.

Historically, judges were not required to disclose their financial information publicly. However, calls for greater accountability have grown since the 1997 Restatement of Values of Judicial Life, which outlined ethical standards for judicial conduct. These include impartiality, avoidance of conflicts of interest, and refraining from political engagement.

Previously, judges declared their assets confidentially to the Chief Justice. In 2009, public disclosure became voluntary, and in 2018, a Constitution Bench ruled that judicial assets are not exempt from the Right to Information (RTI) Act, paving the way for full transparency.

The Supreme Court has also strengthened its in-house inquiry procedure, allowing it to investigate judicial misconduct without resorting to impeachment. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining integrity within the judiciary.

The latest resolution reflects the Court’s recognition of the need to preserve public trust and uphold the principle that justice must not only be done but also be seen to be done. It marks a pivotal step in reinforcing ethical standards and promoting accountability in India’s judicial system.

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