Justice Chandrachud had written to then Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna on December 18, 2024, requesting an extension of his stay...
SC Seeks Urgent Vacation of Ex-CJI Chandrachud’s Official Residence, He Explains the Delay
SC Seeks Urgent Vacation of Ex-CJI Chandrachud’s Official Residence Latest News: The Supreme Court administration has formally written to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, requesting immediate action to vacate Bungalow No. 5, Krishna Menon Marg — the official residence currently occupied by former Chief Justice of India, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, ANI reported.
According to the letter, Justice Chandrachud has continued to stay in the residence beyond the permitted period. The administration has asked that the bungalow be urgently vacated and returned to the Supreme Court's housing pool.
As per Rule 3B of the Supreme Court Judges (Amendment) Rules, 2022, a retired Chief Justice is allowed to retain official accommodation for up to six months post-retirement. Justice Chandrachud retired on November 10, 2023, and the permitted period ended on May 10, 2025. Additionally, the special permission granted to him expired on May 31, 2025.
The bungalow is part of the Supreme Court’s official housing pool reserved for serving judges.
“My daughters have severe comorbidities and genetic problems – particularly nemaline myopathy, for which they are being treated by specialists at AIIMS," the former CJI said.
Ex-CJI Chandrachud’s Response:
According to a report by the Hindustan Times, former Chief Justice of India, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, has cited personal reasons for the delay in vacating his official residence. He stated that the delay was due to family requirements, noting that he has two daughters with special needs. He also mentioned that finding a suitable house for his family is taking time.
“My daughters have severe comorbidities and genetic problems – particularly nemaline myopathy, for which they are being treated by specialists at AIIMS," the former CJI said.
Justice Chandrachud clarified that the matter has already been discussed with judges and officials of the Supreme Court. Acknowledging his responsibilities as a former occupant of the highest judicial office, he assured that he would vacate the bungalow in a few days.
He was quoted as saying, “To be sure, former CJIs in the past have been allowed extended time to retain government accommodation post-retirement, often to facilitate transition or address personal exigencies.” However, it remains unclear when and where this statement was made.
The Supreme Court administration's letter to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs was reportedly dated July 1. It noted that while Justice Chandrachud demitted office eight months ago, he continues to reside in the Type VIII bungalow, while his two successors — Justices Sanjiv Khanna and the incumbent CJI Bhushan R. Gavai — chose to remain in their previously allotted residences.
As per the SC’s letter cited in the report, Justice Chandrachud had written to then Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna on December 18, 2024, requesting an extension of his stay at Bungalow No. 5, Krishna Menon Marg, until April 30, 2025. He cited the delay in renovation work at his newly allotted residence, Bungalow No. 14, Tughlak Road, caused by pollution-related restrictions under GRAP-IV.
Justice Khanna approved the extension, following which the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs allowed Justice Chandrachud to retain the bungalow by paying a licence fee of rupees 5,430 per month.
Subsequently, Justice Chandrachud made an oral request to extend his stay until May 31, 2025. This was granted with the explicit condition that no further extension would be allowed.
(For more news apart from “SC Seeks Urgent Vacation of Ex-CJI Chandrachud’s Official Residence, He Explains the Delay,” stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
