Justice Chandrachud, who served as the 50th CJI from November 2022 to November 2024, has remained in the Type-VIII bungalow for over eight months since exiting his office, despite the expiry of the extension period granted to him
Justice DY Chandrachud served as the 50th CJI from November 2022 to November 2024. File pic
In an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court administration has formally written to the Centre, requesting the immediate vacation of the Chief Justice of India’s (CJI) official residence at 5, Krishna Menon Marg, currently occupied by former CJI DY Chandrachud. The letter, dated July 1, was addressed to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and cited a breach of the legally permissible stay duration, reported PTI.
Justice Chandrachud, who served as the 50th CJI from November 2022 to November 2024, has remained in the Type-VIII bungalow for over eight months since demitting office, despite the expiry of the extension period granted to him. According to the Supreme Court Judges (Amendment) Rules, 2022, a retired CJI is entitled to retain a Type-VII bungalow—not the higher-grade official residence of the sitting CJI—for a maximum of six months following retirement.
The apex court's letter to the Centre noted that permission granted to Justice Chandrachud to stay in the Krishna Menon Marg residence expired on May 31, 2025, and the six-month limit outlined in the 2022 Rules had lapsed earlier, on May 10. It urged MoHUA to "take possession of the bungalow without any further delay" and return it to the Supreme Court’s housing pool for use by the incumbent or eligible judges, reported PTI.
The current CJI, Justice BR Gavai, has not opted to move into the designated Krishna Menon Marg residence and continues to stay in his previously allotted accommodation. Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who briefly served as CJI between November 2024 and May 2025, also did not occupy the official CJI bungalow during his tenure.
On December 18, 2024, Justice Chandrachud wrote to then CJI Sanjiv Khanna requesting him to allow him continue residing in the 5, Krishna Menon Marge residence till April 30, 2025, citing renovation work at the new residence, PTI reported.
This request was approved, and MoHUA granted permission for the extended stay from December 11, 2024, to April 30, 2025, on the condition of a licence fee of approximately Rs 5,000 per month.
Subsequently, an oral request was made for an additional extension till May 31, 2025, which was also approved by Justice Khanna, with a firm condition that no further extension would be allowed, considering the housing needs of newly appointed judges.
Despite these approvals, the Supreme Court administration’s letter on July 1 noted that the agreed-upon deadline had passed and highlighted the need to reclaim the residence in line with judicial housing policy. The letter referred to the continued occupation of the residence as a violation of both the specified timeline and the legal framework, though it acknowledged that the earlier extension was permitted due to "special circumstances".
Sources confirm to PTI that Justice Chandrachud had cited personal reasons for the delay in vacating the residence. He had reportedly informed the court that he was seeking suitable accommodation to meet the needs of his family, particularly his two daughters with special needs who are undergoing treatment at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). In April, he had again written to Justice Khanna, requesting time till June 30 to relocate.
While informal extensions of official accommodation for outgoing CJIs have been granted in the past, this formal request from the Supreme Court administration to the Centre is considered a rare and unprecedented step.
(With PTI inputs)
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