Ex-CJI DY Chandrachud Moves Out Of Official Bungalow After SC Flags Overstay

Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud has vacated the official residence allotted to the CJI, nearly a month after the Supreme Court administration requested the Centre to initiate steps for his eviction. The move followed allegations from the court's administration that Justice Chandrachud had continued occupying the CJI's official bungalow beyond the period permitted after retirement.

Under the Supreme Court Judges (Amendment) Rules, 2022, specifically Rule 3B, a retired CJI is entitled to retain a Type VII bungalow for a maximum of six months post-retirement. However, Justice Chandrachud, who served as the 50th Chief Justice from November 2022 to November 2024, remained in the official CJI residence - Bungalow No. 5 on Krishna Menon Marg - for nearly eight months after demitting office.

Supreme Court Requested Centre's Intervention

In a rare move, the Supreme Court administration wrote to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) on July 1, urging it to reclaim Bungalow No. 5 - the official residence reserved for the sitting CJI - and return it to the Supreme Court's housing pool. The request came amid growing concern that the residence was not available for current or future CJIs due to the extended occupancy.

Delay Attributed to Renovation Work

Responding to the issue, Justice Chandrachud explained that the delay in vacating the residence was due to personal reasons, which he had previously communicated to the Supreme Court administration as well as his successors. He clarified that he had been allotted Bungalow No. 14 on Tughlak Road in line with the 2022 rules, but renovation work at the new residence was still ongoing.

On December 18, 2024, Justice Chandrachud had written to then CJI Sanjiv Khanna, requesting permission to continue residing at Krishna Menon Marg until April 30, 2025. Justice Khanna approved the request, and MoHUA subsequently granted the extension. The Ministry allowed Justice Chandrachud to retain the Type VIII bungalow at Krishna Menon Marg from December 11, 2024, to April 30, 2025, on payment of a licence fee of approximately ₹5,000 per month.

Residence Remained Vacant for Successors

Interestingly, neither of Chandrachud's successors opted to move into the official residence. Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who served a brief six-month term as CJI, chose not to occupy the Krishna Menon Marg bungalow. The current Chief Justice, BR Gavai, has also chosen to remain in his previously allotted official residence, foregoing the traditional CJI accommodation.

Despite the controversy, the matter appears settled following the vacation of the residence. The bungalow is now expected to return to the pool of official residences reserved for the incumbent Chief Justice of India.