SC Seeks Urgent Vacation of CJI Bungalow Occupied by Former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud
In an unusual move.
The Supreme Court administration has formally written to the Union government requesting immediate repossession of the official Chief Justice of India’s residence in Delhi, currently occupied by former CJI Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud. The communication cites a breach of occupancy norms and the expiry of all permissible extensions.
A July 1 letter from the Supreme Court to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), reviewed by Hindustan Times, refers specifically to Bungalow No. 5 on Krishna Menon Marg in Lutyens’ Delhi, urging the ministry to “take possession without further delay.” The letter underscores that the official retention period ended on May 31, 2025, and even the six-month grace period under Rule 3B of the Supreme Court Judges (Amendment) Rules, 2022, expired on May 10, 2025.
Justice Chandrachud, who demitted office in November 2024 after a one-year tenure as the 50th Chief Justice of India, continues to occupy the designated Type VIII CJI bungalow nearly eight months post-retirement. His successors, Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Bhushan R Gavai, opted against relocating to the bungalow, choosing instead to remain in their previously allotted government residences.
When contacted, Justice Chandrachud acknowledged the delay but attributed it to personal exigencies, including renovation delays and family health concerns. “I’ve already been allotted another accommodation by the government on rent. Renovation is underway, and I will move the very day it is ready,” he said.
He further revealed that his daughters, both of whom require specialised medical care for genetic disorders, were a key factor in the delay. “My daughters suffer from severe comorbidities, including nemaline myopathy, and are under treatment at AIIMS. Finding appropriate housing for them has taken time — something the Supreme Court administration is fully aware of.”
Background: Requests and Extensions
On December 18, 2024, a month after his retirement, Justice Chandrachud wrote to then CJI Sanjiv Khanna, seeking permission to retain the Krishna Menon Marg residence until April 30, 2025. He noted that while he had been allotted a Type VII bungalow at Tughlak Road under Rule 3B, renovation there had stalled due to air pollution-related restrictions under Delhi’s GRAP-IV regulations.
Permission was granted, and MoHUA approved the extension till April 30, 2025, on a monthly license fee of ₹5,430, as conveyed via a letter dated February 13, 2025. Later, an informal oral request to remain until May 31 was also allowed, though with a clear caveat that no further extensions would be considered, especially since several other judges were awaiting bungalow allotments.
Rule 3B allows retired Chief Justices to retain Type VII accommodations for up to six months. Justice Chandrachud’s continued residence in a Type VIII bungalow beyond this limit — without official extension — has now prompted administrative intervention.
Rare Administrative Move
The July 1 letter marks a rare escalation by the Supreme Court administration, which typically handles such matters discreetly. In this case, the administration has formally requested that the MoHUA take possession and confirm the transfer of the bungalow back to the court’s housing pool.
This marks the first time in recent memory that the apex court has sought official enforcement of post-retirement housing rules against a former Chief Justice.
Justice Chandrachud, however, clarified: “It is only a matter of days. I fully understand my responsibilities. Former CJIs have been given time in the past to ensure smooth transition, especially in personal or medical circumstances.”
He also cited an April 28 letter to then CJI Khanna in which he detailed his efforts to secure alternative housing suited to his daughters’ needs and requested an extension until June 30.
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