Supreme Court asks centre to reclaim official residence from former CJI Chandrachud

A formal request has been sent by the administrative wing of the Supreme Court to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, urging action to reclaim the official residence still occupied by former Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, months after the end of his extended stay.

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Justice Chandrachud, who served as the 50th Chief Justice from November 2022 to November 2024, was allotted a government bungalow at 5, Krishna Menon Marg in New Delhi during his tenure. As per protocol, retired CJIs are expected to vacate their official residence within a grace period of six months. However, even after this period ended in May 2025, Justice Chandrachud has not yet vacated the premises.

Initially, he had sought permission from his successor, Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, to continue staying for a few more months due to personal reasons. The request was accepted, and the central government allocated another house for his use on rent. But owing to repair work at the newly allotted accommodation, the move was postponed.

Despite assurances that he would vacate the residence by May 31, the bungalow remains occupied. The delay has now prompted the Supreme Court to escalate the matter to the housing ministry, seeking intervention to ensure the official premises are vacated as per existing norms.

Sources close to the matter say Justice Chandrachud has cited the ongoing renovation and a family health situation as reasons for the hold-up. He has also assured authorities that he intends to vacate the residence soon.