Eight months after his retirement, former Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud has yet to vacate his official residence at 5 Krishna Menon Marg, prompting the Supreme Court administration to formally request government intervention. In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the apex court has urged that the former CJI be asked to vacate the Type 8 bungalow without further delay.
Justice Chandrachud, who served as the 50th Chief Justice of India, retired on November 10, 2024, after completing a two-year term. During his tenure, he was allotted the official Chief Justice’s residence—an expansive Type 8 bungalow at 5 Krishna Menon Marg in New Delhi.
As per government norms, retired CJIs are to vacate their official residences shortly after retirement. In accordance with these rules, Justice Chandrachud was allotted a Type 7 bungalow for temporary accommodation post-retirement. However, he sought and was granted permission by the Supreme Court administration to continue staying at the Type 8 bungalow until April 30, 2025.
Subsequently, the current Chief Justice of India, Justice B.R. Gavai, extended this permission by another month, allowing Justice Chandrachud to stay until May 31, 2025. Despite the extension, reports indicate that Justice Chandrachud has continued to occupy the residence beyond the permitted duration.
In its communication to the Union Ministry, the Supreme Court has noted that this prolonged stay is causing administrative difficulties in allotting official accommodation to new judges. The letter reportedly emphasized that, “As per the rules, no one can continue to occupy government housing for such an extended period post-retirement.”
Sources also indicated that Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice B.R. Gavai—who succeeded Justice Chandrachud as CJIs—opted not to shift to the designated Chief Justice’s bungalow and instead chose to remain in their existing residences. This informal arrangement allowed Justice Chandrachud additional time in the official residence.
