Simple Living Is The Life Mantra Of Supreme Court Judges

By SUHEIL KHAN | INNLIVE

At a time when politicians arrive in Parliament in flashy cars and have declared assets worth crores that include palatial mansions, automobiles and land, Supreme Court judges believe in high thinking and simple living.

A study of the assets declared by 21 judges reveals that only five of them own a car. Chief Justice of India T S Thakur has a Premier 118 NE in his name.

Though the apex court has a current working strength of 29 judges, only 21 have made available their assets in the public domain.

Justice Anil R Dave, who disclosed his asset information in March 2009, is the only judge who owns two cars—a Hyundai Santro (2000 model) and a Honda City (2006 model). He also owns a Hero Honda bike (1998 model) and a Sunny scooter (1988 model).

Justice F M Ibrahim Kalifulla owns a Premier Padmini (1961 model) whereas Justice Kurian Joseph has a Maruti Esteem (2004 model), which he purchased second hand in 2007. Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, who disclosed his assets in September 2013, owns a Maruti SX4 (2010 model).

The better halves of Justices Madan B Lokur and A K Sikri own a Maruti Swift (2010 model) and a Honda Civic each. The only woman judge, Justice R Banumathi, does not possess a vehicle herself but has disclosed that her husband owns a Honda Activa scooter.

According to the May 1997 Supreme Court resolution, all judges have to disclose their assets to the CJI.

As far as other assets go, CJI Thakur owns nine properties, including a house in the posh New Friends Colony in Delhi, and has a fixed deposit of more than Rs 80 lakh. He also holds shares and mutual funds of various companies. Justice J S Khehar owns two residential properties and 10 acres of agricultural land, 125 tolas of gold and has a cash balance of Rs 50 lakh. He also inherited a P Baretta pistol.

Justice Dave’s properties include two residential and two commercial, agricultural land and teak trees. He holds an FD of Rs 38 lakh and mutual fund units of various companies.

Justice F M Kalifulla owns two residential properties and has Rs 3.5 lakh in his savings accounts. His wife has a cash holding of Rs 60 lakh. Justice Ghose has three residential properties and Rs 8.5 lakh in his savings accounts. Justice Kurian Joseph has 36.8 acres of land in Kerala and Rs 70,000 cash in his savings account.