Supreme Court Makes Judges’ Assets Public for the First Time: Here’s What CJI and Others Own

In a historic move aimed at promoting transparency and judicial accountability, the Supreme Court of India has, for the first time, made public the asset declarations of its sitting judges. These disclosures have been uploaded on the court’s official website. Out of 33 sitting judges, 21—including Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna—have declared their assets.

Asset Details of CJI Sanjiv Khanna

According to the information published online, CJI Sanjiv Khanna holds Rs 55.75 lakh in fixed deposits and bank accounts, and Rs 1.06 crore in a Public Provident Fund (PPF). He owns a two-bedroom DDA flat in South Delhi and a four-bedroom apartment in the Commonwealth Games Village in Delhi.

Justice BR Gavai—Next CJI

Justice BR Gavai, set to assume the role of Chief Justice on May 14, has Rs 19.63 lakh in his bank accounts and Rs 6.59 lakh in his PPF. He owns a house in Amaravati, Maharashtra, and two flats in New Delhi. He has also declared debts amounting to Rs 1.3 crore.

Other Judges’ Declarations

Justice Suryakant holds fixed deposits exceeding Rs 6 crore and owns residential properties in Chandigarh, Gurugram, and New Delhi.

Justice AS Oka, who is scheduled to retire on May 24, declared a PPF balance of Rs 92.35 lakh, fixed deposits worth Rs 21.76 lakh, and ownership of a 2022 model Maruti car, for which he took a loan of Rs 5.1 lakh.

Justice Vikram Nath has investments totaling Rs 1.5 crore, including a flat in Noida, a bungalow in Prayagraj, and two additional properties.

Justice KV Vishwanathan, appointed in May 2023, disclosed investments worth Rs 120.96 crore made between 2010 and 2025 and reported income tax payments of Rs 91.47 crore.

Justice Bela M Trivedi owns two houses in Ahmedabad and jewellery valued at Rs 50 lakh.

Mandatory Disclosure Resolution

The move follows a unanimous resolution passed during a full court meeting on April 1, 2025. The Supreme Court decided to mandate public disclosure of assets by all sitting and future judges. This replaces the earlier practice where declarations were made privately to the Chief Justice. The resolution was influenced by recent controversies, including allegations of unaccounted cash being found in the premises of Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Verma.

High Court Practices

While High Court judges are already required to declare assets to their respective Chief Justices, public disclosures are uncommon. The Supreme Court’s new policy marks a significant step toward institutional transparency and could set a precedent for other courts.