Ex-CJI Chandrachud Overstays at Official Residence, Supreme Court Urges Union Government to Reclaim CJI Bungalow

New Delhi — The administration of the Supreme Court of India has called on the Union government to promptly reclaim the official residence allocated to the sitting Chief Justice, citing the extended occupancy of the bungalow by former Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud beyond the permitted timeframe.

In a letter dated July 1, the Supreme Court’s registry urged the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to act without further delay in recovering the Type VIII government bungalow at 5 Krishna Menon Marg, which Justice Chandrachud continued to occupy after retiring from office on November 10, 2024.

According to Rule 3B of the Supreme Court Judges (Amendment) Rules, 2022, a retired Chief Justice is entitled to a lower-category Type VII government accommodation for six months rent-free. While Justice Chandrachud had shifted to a Type VII bungalow at 14 Tughlak Road, he was granted temporary permission to stay in the higher-category residence until April 30, 2025, and was allowed to extend that stay until May 31, subject to a license fee, which is said to be a minimal amount.

Officials stated that the extended occupancy, which exceeded both the statutory grace period and the special extension, has created logistical issues for housing newly appointed judges, some of whom are currently staying in transitional accommodations.

According to the reports published by various media outlets, Justice Chandrachud attributed the delay in vacating the premises to personal reasons, including the needs of his two daughters, who live with rare neuromuscular conditions and require accessible housing and medical support. He also cited delays in renovations at the alternate accommodation, exacerbated by restrictions on construction activity due to environmental regulations in Delhi.

Acknowledging his obligations as a former head of the judiciary, Justice Chandrachud assured the court that he intends to vacate the residence shortly.

The episode has renewed scrutiny of post-retirement privileges and housing protocols for high-ranking members of the judiciary, especially concerning the enforcement of deadlines and use of public assets.