Former CJI Chandrachud Asked to Vacate Official Bungalow by Supreme Court Administration
In an unusual move, the Supreme Court administration has written to the Union government, asking for the immediate vacation of Bungalow No. 5, Krishna Menon Marg — the official residence meant for the sitting Chief Justice of India (CJI).
The request comes as former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud continues to stay in the bungalow eight months after his retirement in November 2024. According to the court's July 1 letter to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), both the permitted extension and the legal time limit for staying in such accommodation have expired.
What Are the Rules?
Under Rule 3B of the 2022 Supreme Court Judges (Amendment) Rules, a retired CJI is allowed to stay in a Type VII residence (a notch below the Krishna Menon Marg Type VIII bungalow) for six months after retirement. In Justice Chandrachud’s case, that six-month period ended on May 10, 2025.
However, after his retirement, Justice Chandrachud requested permission to continue staying at the Krishna Menon Marg bungalow due to renovation delays at his newly allotted house on Tughlak Road. The Supreme Court and MoHUA had granted him time until April 30, 2025, later extended orally till May 31, 2025. Now that the deadline has passed, the court has asked MoHUA to reclaim the property immediately.
Why the Delay?
Justice Chandrachud explained that the delay was due to personal and unavoidable reasons. He said he had already been allotted a government house on rent, but it had been unusable for two years and was undergoing renovation. He also highlighted a sensitive personal matter: both of his daughters have special needs, and the new house needs to be suitable for their care.
“My daughters have severe comorbidities and genetic problems, particularly nemaline myopathy, for which they are being treated at AIIMS,” he said.
He assured that the delay was temporary and that he would vacate the Krishna Menon Marg bungalow soon.
A Rare Move by the Court
This marks a rare instance where the Supreme Court has formally requested the government to reclaim its official CJI residence from a former occupant. While informal extensions are sometimes allowed to help with personal transitions, a formal letter of urgency from the apex court is unusual.
Justice Chandrachud clarified that he is fully aware of the responsibilities and expectations that come with his former position. He stated:
“I have occupied the highest judicial office and I am completely aware of my responsibilities. I will vacate as soon as the new house is ready — it’s only a matter of a few days.”
Final Thoughts
This situation highlights the delicate balance between following protocol and addressing genuine personal needs of former high-ranking officials. While rules are necessary to ensure smooth functioning, human factors and personal challenges also play a crucial role in such decisions.
As the matter is expected to be resolved soon, it serves as a reminder that even former CJIs are held accountable under institutional frameworks — but with understanding and dignity.
