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Source: The post is based on the article “Judged Half Right- House panel spot on for mandatory asset declaration for judges. Court vacations are a more complex issue” published in The Times of India on 10th August 2023.
Syllabus: GS2- Separation of powers between various organs
News: The House panel in India has recommended that Supreme Court and high court judges declare their assets annually. They have suggested replacing collective vacations with individual annual leaves, underlining the importance of quality over speedy justice.
What recommendations has the House panel made for the judiciary of India?
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice (House panel) has made the following recommendations for the judiciary of India:
- Judges of the Supreme Court and high courts should declare their assets annually.
- Replace the current system of court vacations with individual annual leaves for judges.
What are the main benefits of these recommendations?
Transparency and Accountability:
Mandating asset declaration would promote transparency in the judiciary.
Previous voluntary disclosures were limited, with the court’s website showing data only till March 2018 for 55 SC judges.
Efficiency and Speed:
Replacing collective vacations with individual leaves can lead to more working days.
The Supreme Court of India is already in session for 200 days, compared to the US’s 79 days, suggesting potential for quicker case disposal.
Quality Justice:
Despite the push for efficiency, there’s recognition that judges need breaks for reflection.
Pausing ensures verdicts are well thought out, maintaining the quality of justice.
