There has been a lot said and discussed over the declaration of assets by judges but I too feel like voicing my opinion. When judges show reluctance and try to avoid the declaration of assets then the first thing that comes into mind is that they have lots which need to be hidden from public. An impression like this is most damaging to the image of the judiciary and the institution of courts and even to the individual judges. It is a democracy and people have the right to know whether assets have been acquired by legal or illegal means. Why do the embodiments of truth and justice need to hide their own facts…?? And then they claim to have apprehensions for the safety and security of the judges of the superior courts by tagging that revealing the assets of the judges and making information handy to the public domain might result in harassment to judges. It could also restrict judges to perform their duties properly. They also say that this could impair the judges of their independence which would ultimately hamper their functioning. When every one else in the country has to disclose property then why not the judges…? They are judges not God…

It is being said that the disclosure of assets will also bring in judicial reforms but I don’t think it is the only or the major way to bring about judicial reforms. This may not have practical significance in reforms but it surely has symbolic significance. The Chief Justice of India is the head of the judicial family, he leads by example. I feel that the present Chief Justice, KG Balakrishnan, cuts short this unsavoury debate and makes a declaration himself. Though our chief justice has said that judges who are interested in declaring their assets may go ahead with the declaration, he himself should declare assets to set an example. There are many judges who wish to declare their assets; they would immediately follow suit and the rest would follow in the due course.  This would put an end to the unhealthy talks going on against judiciary.     The assets of judges and their family members should be made public. As per the resolution adopted in 1997, they declare their assets to the Chief Justice at the time of appointment, and this information is kept confidential by the Chief Justice. Now, when the times are demanding disclosure then they can be disclosed.  Justice kannan has voluntarily disclosed his assets and tried to set and example. he has said that judges are not in the same league of politicians but he still declared his assets to prove that there was nothing to hide from public.  Justice kannan has blogged that corruption in judiciary can be prevented when the procedure of judges’ appointments and removal will be altered. He also says that the new procedures would decide who should access the records of assets of judges.     why the judiciary shoud be exempt from  a requirement that applies to all other functionaries, with even some judges being pro- transparency. the judiciary would be more susiptable to political pressures if the public is denied such information while the executives have it.