New Delhi, July 6 — In an unprecedented development, the Supreme Court administration has formally asked the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to reclaim the official residence of former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, citing his continued occupancy well beyond the permissible period after demitting office in November last year.
Sources confirmed that the top court’s administration wrote to the ministry on July 1, requesting urgent repossession of Bungalow No. 5 on Krishna Menon Marg, traditionally allotted to the sitting CJI. The permitted retention period expired on May 31, 2025, and the six-month grace period provided under housing rules had lapsed by May 10.
This marks the first time the Supreme Court has initiated such action against a former Chief Justice regarding retention of official accommodation.
Justice Chandrachud, the 50th CJI, stepped down on November 10, 2024, but continues to occupy the residence, despite extensions already granted. Meanwhile, his successor, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, opted not to move into the official bungalow, and incumbent CJI B.R. Gavai remains in a residence assigned to him while serving as a Supreme Court judge.
In letters exchanged earlier this year, Justice Chandrachud cited personal circumstances for his delay in vacating the bungalow. Sources said he explained that his allotted accommodation on Tughlak Road required significant modifications to be suitable for his two daughters with special needs, who are undergoing treatment at AIIMS. He reportedly requested an extension of stay until June 30 while shortlisting alternative housing to meet his family’s requirements.
Despite this explanation, legal circles have expressed concern over the delay. Supreme Court Bar Association President and senior advocate Vikas Singh said, “Higher the office you hold, the more you have to set an example in how you behave… And, in the judiciary it applies even 10 times more than what it applies in the government. Because it’s a nominated bungalow for the CJI, he has to vacate within 30 days of retirement. Staying for so long is actually setting up a very bad example for not only the judiciary but also for people in high positions. I think the government should take very strong steps for getting the house vacated immediately.”
As the matter now lies with the Housing Ministry, the fate of the Krishna Menon Marg residence awaits further government action.
