In a rare and remarkable development, the Indian Supreme Court administration has formally asked the Central government to take back the official bungalow of the Chief Justice of India (CJI), which is still in the possession of former CJI Justice DY Chandrachud even after the permitted period has expired.
According to a report published by The Hindustan Times, the apex court administration has written a letter to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs urging it to take back Bungalow No. 5, Krishna Menon Marg. The bungalow serves as the official residence of the serving Chief Justice. Justice Chandrachud's permission to retain the residence officially expired on May 31, 2025.
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Justice Chandrachud retired from the Supreme Court on November 10, 2024. However, he continued to stay in the official residence for about eight months after retirement. In December 2024, he had approached then CJI Sanjiv Khanna, requesting an extension due to delays in renovation of the house allotted to him. These delays were reportedly due to the construction ban imposed in Delhi during the winter months. Following this, CJI Khanna allowed Justice Chandrachud to stay till April 30, 2025 with a nominal licence fee of Rs 5,430 per month.
"He was allowed to stay on payment of licence fee on the ground of delay in construction," an official involved in the matter said.
Later, another extension request was made to CJI BR Gavai, who assumed office on May 15, 2025. He allowed Justice Chandrachud to retain the accommodation only till May 31, 2025, making it clear that no further extension would be granted. However, after Justice Chandrachud still did not vacate the bungalow, the Supreme Court administration took the unprecedented step of directly intervening with the ministry to take back the property without any delay.
"Take possession without any delay," the Supreme Court administration wrote in its letter to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Justice Chandrachud cited personal reasons for the extended stay in his response to HT and NDTV, citing the special care needs of his two differently-abled daughters as a major reason behind the delay in vacating the premises.
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As per Rule 3B of the Supreme Court Judges' Rules, a retired Chief Justice is eligible for rent-free Type-VII accommodation (excluding official accommodation) in Delhi for six months after retirement. This six-month period ended on May 10, 2025 for Justice Chandrachud. The additional special permission expired on May 31, 2025.
“The official residence of the CJI is a Type-VIII bungalow, which is of high category,” the court administration stressed in its communication.
The matter now rests with the Central government, which is expected to act on the Court’s request to ensure that official judicial properties are managed in accordance with the existing rules.
The official residence of the CJI is a Type-VIII bungalow, which is of a higher grade.