Parliament Question: Introduction of Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 70 ANSWERED ON 05/02/2026 INTRODUCTION OF JUDICIAL STANDARDS AND ACCOUNTABILITY BILL 70. DR. KANIMOZHI NVN SOMU: Will the Minister of Law and Justice be pleased to state: (a) whether Government proposes to re-introduce the Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill in Parliament; (b) if so, the timeline proposed for its introduction; and (c) if not, the reasons for not proceeding with the said legislation? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL) (a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House. 1STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (C) IN RESPECT OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 70 FOR ANSWER ON 05/02/2026 REGARDING INTRODUCTION OF JUDICIAL STANDARDS AND ACCOUNTABILITY BILL ASKED BY DR. KANIMOZHI NVN SOMU (a) to (c): The Supreme Court of India, in its full Court meeting on 7th May, 1997, adopted two Resolutions namely (i) "The Restatement of Values of Judicial Life" which lays down certain judicial standards and principles to be observed and followed by the Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts and (ii) "In-house procedure" for taking suitable remedial measure against Judges who do not follow the universally accepted values of judicial life including those in the Restatement of Values of Judicial Life. A bill titled, "The Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill, 2010", was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 01.12.2010. The Bill lapsed consequent to the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha. As per the established "in-house procedure" for the Higher Judiciary, the Chief Justice of India is competent to receive complaints against the conduct of Judges of the Supreme Court and the Chief Justices of the High Courts. Similarly, the Chief Justices of the High Courts are competent to receive complaints against the conduct of High Court Judges. The complaints/representations received are forwarded to the Chief Justice of India or to the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned, as the case may be, for appropriate action. *** 2