SC administration writes to Centre, seeks removal of ex-CJI Chandrachud from official residence

New Delhi: In a rare development, the Supreme Court administration has written a letter to the Union government seeking immediate direction for removal of former Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud from his official residence, keeping in view the fact that he has stayed in the official residence beyond the permissible period.

Ex CJI Chandrachud, who served as the 50th CJI between November 2022 till November 2024, continued to occupy the Type VIII bungalow at 5 Krishna Menon Marg, nearly eight months after demitting office.

Two CJIs — Justice Sanjiv Khanna (since retired) and the present one Justice B R Gavai — decided not to move into the premises of 5 Krishna Menon Marg, and continued to stay in their previously allotted bungalows.

However, the SC administration in July 1 letter to the Central government urged it to ensure that the bungalow is vacated and returned to the court's housing pool.

The letter written by the SC administration, to the Centre’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), has asked the Centre to ensure that Bungalow No. 5 on Krishna Menon Marg, the designated residence for India’s sitting CJI, be vacated immediately.

"I am to request you to take the possession of Bungalow No. 5, Krishna Menon Marg, from Dr Justice DY Chandrachud without any further delay as not only the permission that was granted for retention, has expired on 31st May, 2025, but also the period of six months provided in Rule 3B of the 2022 Rules has expired on 10th May, 2025,” the letter of an official of the SC administration written to the MoHUA secretary stated.

At present four judges of the top court have not been allocated official accommodation despite serving as judges.

As per government rules, a serving CJI is entitled for a Type VIII bungalow whereas, after retirement, he can stay in a Type VII rent free accommodation for a period of up to six months.

In this case, it was stated that the former CJI Chandrachud exceeded his stay, forcing the SC administration to approach the Centre to pass a direction to vacate the bungalow.

Reacting to the development, former CJI Chandrachud reportedly said, “I have already been allotted an accommodation by the government on rent and that house is currently under renovation because it was shut for the last at least two years. I informed the Supreme Court about this allotment, making it clear I will shift the very next day that the house is ready."

He also said his daughters have severe comorbidities and genetic problems and has discussed this with the judges and the officers in the Supreme Court.

"It is a matter of just a few days and I will shift. I have occupied the highest judicial office and I am completely cognisant of my responsibilities," he reportedly said.