"Will Move Once ...": DY Chandrachud Explains Delay In Vacating Official Residence

Former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has responded to the Supreme Court administration's recent request to the Centre, which sought the immediate vacation of the official CJI residence at 5, Krishna Menon Marg in Lutyens' Delhi. Justice Chandrachud, who retired in November 2024, continues to reside at the bungalow nearly eight months post-retirement-beyond the period permitted under official rules.

In his statement issued on Sunday, Chandrachud attributed the delay in vacating the bungalow to his elder daughter's critical medical condition. Both of his daughters are affected by nemaline myopathy, a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder that necessitates continuous and specialized care. The official residence, he explained, has been adapted with an ICU-like setup to support his daughter's needs, making the search for a suitable alternative house extremely difficult.

"We were looking for a specific house since our daughters are with special needs. We have created an ICU-like setup for our elder daughter, and hence finding a house in the open market according to our needs is difficult," Chandrachud explained, highlighting the unique challenges involved in relocating a family that requires advanced medical infrastructure.

Chandrachud emphasized that the delay is not due to unwillingness, but logistical constraints. He mentioned that the government has allotted him temporary rented accommodation, which is currently under renovation. "Our packing is complete. I will move the very next day when the house is ready," he stated, reiterating his commitment to vacating the residence as soon as the new property becomes habitable.

He also pointed to a larger concern-the lack of accessible housing in India for people with severe disabilities and the general absence of awareness about conditions like nemaline myopathy. His daughters' ongoing treatment at AIIMS adds to the family's need to remain close to top-tier medical facilities in the national capital.

This situation has drawn broader attention to the systemic difficulties faced by families managing complex medical and accessibility needs, and has prompted discussions about the availability of inclusive and medically equipped housing options, even for former high-ranking officials.