Key Points
- The Supreme Court has formally requested the Union government to ensure immediate vacation of the Chief Justice’s official residence, citing that former CJI DY Chandrachud has overstayed well beyond the permitted period.
- Justice Chandrachud, who retired in November 2024, remains at Bungalow No. 5, Krishna Menon Marg, nearly eight months post-retirement due to personal and logistical challenges.
- Successor CJIs Sanjiv Khanna and Bhushan R Gavai have declined to move into the official residence, opting to remain in their previous accommodations.
- Chandrachud cited the special needs of his daughter and ongoing repairs at his newly allotted house as reasons for seeking extensions and temporary accommodation.
- The situation has highlighted administrative complexities and personal considerations in the allocation of official residences for top judicial officials.
New Delhi: In a rare move, the Supreme Court administration has formally written to the Union government, urging the immediate vacation of the official Chief Justice’s residence at 5 Krishna Menon Marg, Lutyens’ Delhi. The bungalow, managed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, is traditionally reserved for the sitting Chief Justice of India (CJI). However, former CJI DY Chandrachud, who retired in November 2024, continues to reside there nearly eight months after demitting office.
Sources indicate that the court has asked for the bungalow’s prompt return to its housing pool, emphasizing the need to adhere to established protocols for official residences.
Successors Decline Official Residence
Adding complexity to the situation, both Justice Sanjiv Khanna (who succeeded Chandrachud) and the incumbent CJI Bhushan R Gavai have declined to shift into the designated CJI residence, preferring to stay in their previously allotted government accommodations. This unusual circumstance has left the official bungalow unoccupied by its intended residents, further fueling administrative urgency.
Justice Chandrachud’s Response: Personal and Practical Challenges
When reached for comment, Justice Chandrachud explained that his continued stay was necessitated by unique family circumstances. “We were looking for a specific house since our daughters have special needs. We have created an ICU-like setup for our elder daughter, and hence, finding a house in the open market according to our needs is difficult. So I had requested the government to give me a temporary accommodation on rent,” he stated.
He also revealed that the government house allotted to him Bungalow No. 14 on Tughlak Road required significant repairs. Renovation work was delayed due to construction restrictions under GRAP-IV (Graded Response Action Plan), further complicating the move.
Timeline of Requests and Extensions
- December 18, 2024: Justice Chandrachud wrote to then CJI Sanjiv Khanna, requesting permission to stay at Krishna Menon Marg until April 30, 2025, citing ongoing renovations at his new residence.
- April 2025: He sought a further extension until June, emphasizing the challenges in finding suitable accommodation for his family’s needs.
- Current Status: Justice Chandrachud remains at the Krishna Menon Marg bungalow, awaiting completion of repairs at his allotted house and government approval for temporary rental accommodation.
Table: Timeline of Events Surrounding CJI Residence
| Date | Event/Request |
|---|---|
| Nov 2024 | Justice DY Chandrachud retires as CJI |
| Dec 18, 2024 | Requests extension to stay at 5 Krishna Menon Marg until April 30, 2025 |
| April 2025 | Seeks further extension until June 2025 |
| July 2025 | Supreme Court administration requests immediate vacation of the bungalow |
| Ongoing | Renovations at Tughlak Road residence; search for suitable temporary accommodation continues |
Administrative and Human Dimensions
This episode has brought to light the intersection of administrative protocol and personal circumstances in the management of official residences for high-ranking judicial officials. While rules dictate timely vacation of government bungalows, the unique needs of Justice Chandrachud’s family and delays in alternative arrangements have complicated the process.
As the Supreme Court presses for the return of its official residence, the case underscores the importance of flexibility and sensitivity in public administration, especially when personal and institutional interests converge.
