New Delhi, July 6 — In an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court administration has asked the Centre to initiate the removal of former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud from the official residence allocated to the country’s top judge, after he failed to vacate the bungalow months beyond the permissible period.
In a letter sent to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) on July 1, the Supreme Court administration requested the urgent repossession of Bungalow No. 5 on Krishna Menon Marg, which Justice Chandrachud continues to occupy despite the expiration of his allotment. The property is now sought to be returned to the apex court’s housing pool, sources confirmed.
Justice Chandrachud, who served as the 50th Chief Justice of India, stepped down from office on November 10, 2024. As per government norms, he was allowed to retain the official residence for one month post-retirement, with an extension of up to six months under special provisions. However, both the extension and the retention period lapsed on May 10 and May 31, 2025, respectively.
“This is the first instance in memory where the court administration has had to formally ask for a former CJI’s eviction,” said an official aware of the matter. “The extensions granted have already expired, and the house must be returned for official use.”
The situation has also drawn concern from members of the legal fraternity. Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President and senior advocate Vikas Singh remarked, “Higher the office you hold, the more you have to set an example in how you behave. In the judiciary, that responsibility is tenfold. It’s a nominated bungalow for the CJI, and he has to vacate within 30 days of retirement. Staying this long sets a very bad precedent—not just for the judiciary but for others in public office. I believe the government should act firmly and ensure the residence is vacated.”
Despite the mounting pressure, Justice Chandrachud had informed the court earlier that his delay in vacating the property was due to personal circumstances. According to sources, he cited the need to make his alternate residence on Tughlak Road suitable for his two daughters with special needs, who are undergoing treatment at AIIMS.
In April, he had also written to his successor, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, requesting more time to identify accommodation that could cater to his daughters’ requirements and sought an extension until June 30. That deadline too has now passed.
Interestingly, Justice Khanna chose not to move into the Krishna Menon Marg bungalow upon taking over as CJI, while the current Chief Justice, BR Gavai, resides in a different property allotted to him during his tenure as a Supreme Court judge.
With all legal allowances exhausted and alternate residences available to serving justices, the court has urged the Centre to act without further delay and reclaim the bungalow. The SC administration has also asked to be kept informed once the property is vacated.
As the judiciary grapples with public accountability and institutional discipline, the delay in vacating the CJI’s residence has raised uncomfortable questions about propriety and precedent in India’s highest offices.
