Image Credit : Prime Minister's Office
SC Directs Centre to Repossess CJI Bungalow as Chandrachud Overstays
The Supreme Court administration has formally requested the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to reclaim Bungalow No. 5 on Krishna Menon Marg. This residence—reserved for serving Chief Justices—is still being occupied by former Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who stepped down on November 10, 2024.
Under existing rules, a retired Chief Justice may continue living in a Type VII government residence rent-free for six months post-retirement. While a rare extension granted Chandrachud temporary stay in the larger Type VIII bungalow until May 31, he has now surpassed both allowances.
A letter dated July 1 from the Court’s administrative office explicitly states: the grace period expired on May 10, and the extended permit ended on May 31. With both deadlines passed, urgent repossession has been deemed necessary to accommodate serving judges.
Chandrachud has acknowledged the delay, citing personal reasons. He explained he has been allotted alternate accommodation, but it has been undergoing renovations after being unused for years. He elaborated that:
“I have two daughters with special needs, which is why it has taken me some time to look for a house appropriate for their needs.”
He further stated:
“I have already been allotted an accommodation by the government on rent, and that house is currently under renovation because it was shut for at least two years.”
Meanwhile, accommodation shortages have arisen for four current Supreme Court judges—three are in transit flats and one in a guest house. Retention of the bungalow by a retired judge is considered a significant contributing factor to this pinch.
According to Supreme Court housing rules as per the 2022 amendment, a six-month post-retirement stay in a Type VII house is allowed, but not in the larger Type VIII. Any additional extensions, while exceptional, require clear justification—a requirement now under scrutiny in this case.
Chandrachud concluded by saying:
“It is a matter of just a few days and I will shift… I am completely cognisant of my responsibilities.”
The Court’s decision marks a firm reaffirmation of institutional rules and administrative fairness in the allocation of government accommodation—even extending to its highest echelons.
