New Delhi, August 2025 – The Supreme Court has formally requested the Union Government to take back possession of the official Type VIII bungalow at 5 Krishna Menon Marg occupied by former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud.
Justice Chandrachud retired in November 2024 and, under the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958 and the Supreme Court Judges Rules, 1959, a retired CJI may retain government accommodation for six months. His statutory grace period ended in May 2025, with an extension granted until June 30.
On July 1, 2025, the Supreme Court’s administrative wing wrote to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs citing expiry of both the statutory and extended stay periods.
Reason for Delay
Justice Chandrachud explained that he is the guardian of two adopted daughters suffering from nemaline myopathy, a rare neuromuscular disorder requiring wheelchair accessibility and round-the-clock care. Renovations at his personal residence to meet their medical and accessibility needs caused the delay in vacating. He informed his successor, CJI Sanjiv Khanna, and Court administration about the situation, assuring that relocation would be completed soon.
Institutional Stand
The Supreme Court emphasized that rules on post-retirement accommodation apply to all, and official residences must be vacated for allocation to sitting judges.
Public Reaction
The development has drawn mixed responses:
- In Support of Rules: Many see the enforcement as necessary to maintain institutional discipline and fairness.
- On Humanitarian Grounds: Others believe genuine exceptional circumstances should allow limited flexibility.
Current CJI B.R. Gavai has stated he would vacate his residence promptly upon retirement, signalling adherence to established protocol.
Possible Impact
Legal experts note that this is one of the rare cases where the Supreme Court has moved to repossess a former CJI’s official residence. The matter could influence future policy on compassionate extensions for high constitutional office holders.