Supreme Court Publishes Declaration of Judges' Assets

1. The Supreme Court (SC) has made it mandatory for judges to publish their asset declarations on the Supreme Court website.
2. On 1st April 2025, the Full Court of the SC decided that judges must declare their assets:
   1. Upon assuming office
   2. Whenever a substantial acquisition is made, to the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
3. Judges are not legally required to publicly declare their assets, unlike public servants and elected representatives.
4. However, in 1997, the SC adopted a resolution for judges to declare all assets, including those of spouses and dependents, to the CJI.
5. In 2009, the SC decided to publish the asset declarations of judges on its website on a voluntary basis.
6. The current decision reiterates the 1997 "Restatement of Values of Judicial Life," which sets standards for judicial conduct for Supreme Court and High Court judges.

1997 Restatement of Values of Judicial Life

1. Judges must avoid actions that could undermine the public's trust in the judiciary.
2. Judges should not hear or decide cases involving family members or close friends.
3. Judges must refrain from publicly expressing political opinions that may be relevant to judicial matters.
4. Judges must not accept gifts or hospitality from anyone, except family and friends.
5. Judges should not engage in trade or business.
6. Judges should not seek financial benefits related to their office unless they are clearly available.