In a landmark move for transparency, the Supreme Court of India has uploaded the personal asset details of its judges on its official website. This is the first time such a step has been taken in the country to build public trust in the judicial system.
The disclosure includes the property, bank balances, gold, silver, and investments held by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and details of 21 other Supreme Court judges. The decision comes after public discussion and criticism surrounding the judiciary’s lack of transparency, especially after Justice Yashwant Varma’s property issue surfaced.
Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s Properties and Assets
According to the Supreme Court’s official record, CJI Sanjiv Khanna has a mix of real estate, savings, inherited items, and simple lifestyle choices. Despite holding the top judicial post in India, his asset list reflects a modest lifestyle compared to the lavish lives of many public figures.
Here is a detailed breakdown of what the Chief Justice owns:
- Real Estate Holdings:
- A 3BHK DDA flat in South Delhi
- A 4BHK flat (with two parking spaces) in Commonwealth Games Village, Delhi, with a super area of 2446 sq ft
- A 56% share in a 4BHK flat in Sispal Vihar, Sector 49, Gurugram, measuring 2016 sq ft
- Undivided share in a house in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, which is held through Dev Raj Khanna HUF (Hindu Undivided Family)
- Bank Savings and Investments:
- Fixed Deposits and Bank Balance: ₹55.75 lakh
- Public Provident Fund (PPF): ₹1.06 crore
- General Provident Fund (GPF): ₹1.77 crore
- LIC Policy: With an annual premium of ₹29,625
- Stock Holdings: Approx. ₹14,000
- Vehicles and Valuables:
- Owns a 2015 model Maruti Swift car
- 250 grams of gold and 2 kg silver (mostly inherited or gifted)
The declaration mentions that gold, silver, and other assets came as gifts or family heritage. It shows an apparent attempt to be transparent and avoid questions regarding the source of wealth.
Assets Declared by His Wife
CJI Khanna’s wife also declared her belongings, which include:
- 700 grams of gold
- 5 kg of silver
- Diamond jewellery, including rings, pendants, and earrings
- Some pearls and gemstone jewellery, like rubies
She clarified that most of these items were inherited or gifted on special occasions like family functions or festivals.
Transparency Effort: Why It Matters
The Supreme Court did not just stop at revealing the judges’ assets. It also took another big step by uploading how judges are appointed in both the High Courts and the Supreme Court. The court shared the role of the High Court collegium, the feedback received from state and central governments, and how the Supreme Court collegium finalises names.
This disclosure included key information such as:
- Judge’s name, High Court, and whether from the bar or service
- Collegium recommendation date
- Appointment notification date
- Whether the judge belongs to a reserved category (SC/ST/OBC/Minority)
- Whether the candidate is related to any serving or retired judge
The Supreme Court said this step was taken to open the judicial appointment process for public awareness. This is especially important when questions about nepotism, lack of diversity, or opaque appointments in the higher judiciary are raised.
Only 22 Judges Disclosed So Far
Of 33 sitting Supreme Court judges, 22 have declared their assets, including CJI Sanjiv Khanna. The court explained that the other judges have already submitted their declarations to the registry, and the information will be shared with the public soon.
Among the 22, three judges in line to become the future CJIs have also revealed their assets. This shows a strong intent to maintain clean governance and accountability inside the judiciary.
Public Reaction and Background
The Supreme Court’s decision came shortly after a recent controversy involving Justice Yashwant Varma, where unaccounted cash was recovered from his official residence. Though the matter is still under review, it triggered public demand for more openness from the judiciary.
Following this, the apex court took a proactive step to win public confidence by voluntarily disclosing personal wealth and details of appointment procedures. Legal experts and civil society groups have welcomed the move, calling it a new chapter in judicial accountability.
Source: TV9 Hindi
