The Supreme Court administration has written to the Centre, urging immediate repossession of Bungalow No. 5, Krishna Menon Marg — the official residence of the Chief Justice of India — currently occupied by former CJI DY Chandrachud, nearly eight months after his retirement.
Justice Chandrachud demitted office on November 10, 2024, and under the 2022 government rules, retired CJIs are entitled to rent-free accommodation in a Type VII bungalow for six months post-retirement. However, the former CJI has continued to occupy the Type VIII bungalow meant for a serving CJI, beyond the permitted period, which expired on May 10, 2025.
In a letter dated July 1, the Supreme Court’s administration urged the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to initiate the process to recover the property:
“I am to request you to take the possession of Bungalow No. 5, Krishna Menon Marg, from Hon'ble Dr. Justice DY Chandrachud without any further delay,” the letter read.
The court cited an urgent need for the bungalow, as four sitting judges are still awaiting government accommodation. While three are living in transit flats, one has been put up in a state guest house. The Supreme Court currently has 33 judges, including current CJI BR Gavai — one short of the sanctioned strength of 34.
Sources pointed out that Justice Chandrachud had initially requested permission to retain the bungalow till April 30, 2025, which was approved by then CJI Sanjiv Khanna, and ratified by the Ministry, with a licence fee of ₹5,430/month. He later sought another short extension till May 31, which was also allowed with the caveat that no further extension would be permitted.
However, in a statement to NDTV, Justice Chandrachud clarified that personal circumstances had delayed his move.
“My daughters need a home with special needs. I’ve tried service apartments and hotels since February, but none worked out. The Supreme Court administration was informed. I am not interested in overstaying, but I don’t have a choice.”
He said he had written to both Justice Khanna and later spoken with CJI Gavai, requesting time until June 30, but did not receive a response. The government has since allotted him a temporary rented accommodation, but it is under repairs, he added.
“Most of my belongings are already packed. I will shift as soon as the work is done — it’s just a matter of a few days,” he said.
With the extended period now over, the Supreme Court has asked the Ministry to proceed with repossession "without any further delay", to meet the pressing residential needs of current judges.
