In a major step toward enhancing judicial transparency and public trust, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and 29 other sitting judges of the Supreme Court of India will make their assets and liabilities public. The decision comes in the wake of the controversy surrounding Justice Yashwant Varma, whose residence was recently at the center of a cash-related scandal.
According to a press note from the apex court, this move is part of a long-standing resolution by the full court that judges must declare their assets upon assuming office and report any substantial acquisitions to the Chief Justice.
“Placing the declaration of assets on the Supreme Court website will be on a voluntary basis,” the statement clarified, underlining a commitment to voluntary transparency over imposed mandates.
Justice Yashwant Varma Transferred to Allahabad HC, Barred from Judicial Work
The push for openness follows the transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court after unverified reports claimed that cash was found in his Lutyens’ Delhi residence on March 14, 2025, following a fire incident. The Central Government formalized the transfer on March 28, directing the judge to take charge in Allahabad.
However, Justice Varma has been barred from judicial duties, pending further inquiry. The Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court has been instructed not to assign him any cases until further notice.
Justice Varma Denies Allegations, Calls Claims “Preposterous”
In a strongly worded letter to the Delhi High Court Chief Justice, Justice Varma denied any wrongdoing:
“No cash was ever placed in that storeroom either by me or any of my family members. The very idea or suggestion that this cash belonged to us is totally preposterous.”
He described the notion that large sums of money were kept openly at the residence as “incredible and incredulous.”
Collegium Recommends Repatriation, Internal Inquiry Ongoing
The Supreme Court Collegium, in meetings on March 20 and 24, clarified that the transfer of Justice Varma was separate from any internal investigation regarding the cash seizure. It recommended his repatriation to Allahabad High Court, where he originally held tenure.
Meanwhile, the Allahabad High Court Bar Association president Anil Tiwari has met with the Union Law Ministerand members of the collegium, urging reconsideration of the transfer decision, citing procedural and reputational concerns.
Judiciary’s Image Under Scrutiny
The move by the Supreme Court judges to voluntarily declare their assets is widely seen as a proactive response to concerns over judicial ethics and accountability.
This initiative, while voluntary, marks a renewed focus on public trust, especially amidst rising calls for institutional transparency in India’s higher judiciary.
