New Delhi, May 1 (IANS) The Bar Association of India has favoured declaration of assets by judges averring that it would greatly enhance their dignity. “There are statutory provisions in the US apex court on disclosure of assets by judges… There is an urgent need that such provision should be implemented in India, too,” said a release by the Bar Association of India.

Former chief justices of India J.S. Verma and V.N. Khare also recently supported demands for declaration of assets by judges.

The association also demanded that there be “a substantial increase” in the salaries of judges and the pension be equal to the last drawn pay.

In a recent conference of judges of the apex court, Chief Justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan responded to a question: “At the time of their appointment, every supreme court judge has to declare his assets. Thereafter, if any property is purchased, he has to give the information to me in a sealed cover. This must be the case with high court judges (who would furnish the information to the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned).”