Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan praised the Supreme Court for publicly releasing judges’ asset details and appointment processes. He also welcomed the Court’s firm handling of the Justice Yashwant Varma case.
In a remarkable step towards judicial transparency, the Supreme Court of India, under the leadership of the outgoing Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, has taken several notable decisions.
These include the public release of judges’ asset declarations, more openness in the appointment of judges, and clear action in the case involving Justice Yashwant Varma.
These reforms have been welcomed by legal experts and civil society alike.
Senior advocate and public interest lawyer Prashant Bhushan shared his views on the microblogging platform X, stating:
“Our statement welcoming the recent decisions of the SC led by the outgoing CJI Sanjiv Khanna to bring in greater transparency by putting out asset declarations of judges, details of appointments of judges & how they dealt with the case of Justice Yashwant Verma. Kudos to the SC.”
This statement highlights the growing demand for transparency and accountability in the Indian judiciary system.
For the first time in many years, the Supreme Court has made the asset details of its judges and their immediate family members publicly accessible.
So far, 21 of the 33 sitting judges, including the Chief Justice, have declared their assets, which are now available on the official Supreme Court website.
The declarations show that most judges lead simple lifestyles, do not own luxury vehicles, and invest in low-risk schemes.
This is being seen as a bold move that aligns with global best practices and is expected to increase public trust in the Indian judiciary.
Alongside asset declarations, the Supreme Court has started sharing information on judicial appointments.
This includes how judges are selected and promoted. Making such details public is a significant step in ensuring transparency and fairness in the judicial appointment process.
It also helps in addressing the long-standing criticism that judicial appointments are shrouded in secrecy.
These steps taken by the apex court are expected to improve the credibility and integrity of the entire legal system.
The Case of Justice Yashwant Varma
One of the most talked-about decisions by the outgoing CJI Sanjiv Khanna relates to the case of Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court.
After a detailed inquiry into serious allegations — including the discovery of large sums of cash — the CJI is reported to have recommended Justice Varma’s impeachment to the Central Government.
This development shows that no one is above the law and that the Supreme Court is committed to ensuring internal accountability within the judicial system.
By taking firm and transparent action in this matter, the top court has sent a strong message that integrity is non-negotiable, even at the highest levels of the judiciary.
These recent steps by the Supreme Court mark a new chapter in Indian legal history. The public disclosure of judges’ assets, transparency in appointments, and swift handling of misconduct cases show a clear commitment to openness and ethics in judicial functioning.
Reforms like these are not just administrative; they are essential for restoring public faith in the legal system. They promote a culture where the judiciary is not only independent but also accountable.
As Prashant Bhushan rightly pointed out:
“Kudos to the SC.”
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