New Delhi: The Supreme Court has written to the Union government, asking it to immediately reclaim the official residence of former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, who continues to stay in the Chief Justice’s designated bungalow more than six months after his retirement.
The bungalow at 5, Krishna Menon Marg, a Type VIII government accommodation typically reserved for the sitting Chief Justice, is in urgent demand. Four Supreme Court judges are yet to be allotted official residences, with some staying in transit flats and one in a state guest house, sources told NDTV. The top court has flagged the matter as a logistical constraint that needs swift resolution.
Rules, Delays, and Deadlines
Justice Chandrachud retired on 10 November 2024. As per government rules, a retired Chief Justice may retain a Type VII bungalow for six months post-retirement. However, with both his successors, former CJI Sanjiv Khanna and current CJI BR Gavai, opting not to move into the Krishna Menon Marg residence, Justice Chandrachud continued to stay on.
Initially, he wrote to then CJI Khanna requesting to retain the residence until April 30, 2025, for which he paid a nominal licence fee of Rs 5,430 per month. That extension was approved. A subsequent oral request extended the stay until May 31, again approved, but with a clear caveat: no further extensions.
Now, with even that deadline passed, the Supreme Court administration wrote to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on 1 July, urging it to “take possession... without any further delay.”
Justice Chandrachud Responds
Speaking to The Hindustan Times, Justice Chandrachud attributed the delay to personal circumstances. He said he had already been allotted a new house, but it had been unoccupied for two years and required extensive renovation. “I informed the Supreme Court... I will shift the very next day the house is ready,” he said.
He also spoke about the needs of his two daughters, both of whom require special care. “They have severe comorbidities and genetic issues, including nemaline myopathy,” he shared, adding that the decision to stay longer was made in good faith, with transparency.
“I am fully aware of my responsibilities... it’s just a matter of a few days,” he added.
