Ex-CJI Chandrachud asked to vacate official residence by Supreme Court

New Delhi:The Supreme Court administration has requested the Union government to ensure that former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud vacates Bungalow No. 5 on Krishna Menon Marg, the official residence designated for the sitting CJI. Justice Chandrachud has remained in the Lutyens' Delhi property beyond the permissible period since his retirement in November 2024.

A communication from the Supreme Court, dated July 1, to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), stated that the permission initially granted for his retention of the bungalow expired on May 31, 2025. Furthermore, the standard six-month period allowed under Rule 3B of the Supreme Court Judges (Amendment) Rules, 2022, which permits a retired Chief Justice to retain Type VII accommodation, expired on May 10, 2025. The Krishna Menon Marg residence, however, is a Type VIII bungalow, adding to the complexity of its retention.

Justice Chandrachud, who served as the 50th CJI from November 2022 to November 2024, has attributed the delay to compelling personal circumstances. He explained that his new government-allotted residence is currently undergoing extensive renovations to make it livable after years of disuse. He also cited the special needs of his two daughters, who require specialised care for conditions like nemaline myopathy, which has made finding suitable alternative housing challenging.

He had initially secured permission from then-CJI Sanjiv Khanna to retain the residence until April 30, 2025, due to these renovation delays, which were partly impacted by pollution-related construction restrictions. An oral request for a further extension until May 31, 2025, was granted with the understanding that no further extensions would be provided. Justice Chandrachud has since sought an extension until June 30.

This formal intervention by the Supreme Court to reclaim its highest official residence from a former occupant is considered a rare public action within judicial circles.