In Short
Ex-CJI Chandrachud cites care for daughters with genetic illness as reason for extended stay.
SC wrote to Centre to reclaim official CJI bungalow post-retirement.
Renovation delays at new residence also contributed to the move being postponed.
Former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has explained that his continued stay at the official CJI residence in Delhi was driven by urgent personal needs—primarily the medical care of his two daughters, both of whom suffer from severe comorbidities and a rare genetic disorder, nemaline myopathy. He said the daughters’ ongoing treatment at AIIMS made it difficult to shift residences immediately after his retirement.
Justice Chandrachud, who stepped down in November 2024, had been residing at Bungalow No. 5, Krishna Menon Marg, the official Type VIII residence for the Chief Justice. According to Rule 3B of the Supreme Court Judges (Amendment) Rules, 2022, a retired CJI is permitted to stay in a Type VII accommodation for up to six months rent-free. Chandrachud’s request to extend his stay—citing delays in renovation at his allotted Tughlak Road residence due to pollution-related construction restrictions—was approved until April 30, 2025, with a nominal licence fee. A subsequent oral extension was granted until May 31, 2025, with the condition that no further extension would be allowed.
However, as of early July 2025, Chandrachud had not vacated the premises. This led the Supreme Court administration to send a formal letter to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, requesting the immediate repossession of the bungalow to meet the urgent housing requirements of sitting judges.
In his response, Chandrachud confirmed that an alternative residence had been allotted but said it required major repairs, having remained unused for over two years. He assured that he would move as soon as the work was complete, adding that the delay was communicated to the judges and officers of the Supreme Court.
The court’s rare administrative move to reclaim the property underscores the growing urgency to enforce post-retirement housing norms and ensure accommodation availability for serving members of the judiciary.