SC Asks Centre To Reclaim CJI Bungalow From Justice Chandrachud After Overstay

The Supreme Court administration has formally requested the Union government to take immediate possession of the Chief Justice of India's official residence at 5, Krishna Menon Marg in Lutyens' Delhi. According to a report by NDTV, The bungalow is currently occupied by former Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who has remained there well beyond the permissible period following his retirement in November 2024.

Under the Supreme Court Judges (Amendment) Rules, 2022, a retired CJI is entitled to a Type VII government accommodation for up to six months post-retirement. However, Justice Chandrachud has continued living in the Type VIII bungalow allotted to him during his tenure as CJI, nearly eight months after stepping down. The statutory six-month period ended on May 10, 2025, and a special extension granted to him expired on May 31, 2025.

In a letter dated July 1, 2025, addressed to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the Supreme Court administration wrote, "I am to request you to take the possession of Bungalow No. 5, Krishna Menon Marg, from Hon'ble Dr. Justice DY Chandrachud without any further delay as not only the permission that was granted for retention... has expired on 31st May, 2025, but also the period of six months provided in Rule 3B of the 2022 Rules has expired on 10th May, 2025."

As per NDTV sources, the need to reclaim the bungalow is urgent, as four sitting Supreme Court judges have not been allocated official accommodation. Three are currently staying in Supreme Court transit flats, while one judge is living in a state guest house. The court currently has 33 sitting judges, including Chief Justice B.R. Gavai-just one short of its sanctioned strength of 34.

Justice Chandrachud attributed the delay in vacating the residence to personal circumstances. Speaking to The Hindustan Times, he explained that the alternative government accommodation allotted to him is under renovation after years of disuse. He assured the court that he would move out immediately once the house is ready.

"I have already been allotted an accommodation by the government on rent and that house is currently under renovation because it was shut for at least two years," he said. "I informed the Supreme Court about this allotment, making it clear I will shift the very next day that the house is ready."

He also cited the special needs of his two daughters as a contributing factor to the delay. "My daughters have severe comorbidities and genetic problems-particularly nemaline myopathy, for which they are being treated by specialists at AIIMS," Justice Chandrachud said. "I totally understand it is my personal issue. But I should also make it clear why it has taken me so long to look for a house."

Justice Chandrachud had earlier written to then Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna in December 2024, requesting permission to stay in the Krishna Menon Marg bungalow until April 30, 2025, and had offered to forgo his post-retirement allotment. The request was approved, and the Ministry permitted the retention of the bungalow on payment of ₹5,430 per month in licence fees. A subsequent oral request allowed him to stay till May 31, with the understanding that no further extension would be granted.

Now, with that final deadline also lapsed, the Supreme Court has formally urged the Centre to repossess the residence without further delay, highlighting the importance of adhering to statutory norms even at the highest judicial levels.