July 6, 2025: Former CJI Chandrachud has responded to the Supreme Court administration’s recent communication to the Centre seeking the immediate return of his official residence on Krishna Menon Marg. Justice Chandrachud, who retired in November 2024, continues to occupy the bungalow designated for the sitting Chief Justice, sparking administrative concerns over the delay in vacating the premises.
In an interview, Justice Chandrachud explained that he had been granted an extension to stay at Bungalow No. 5 by his successor, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, due to pressing personal reasons. The former CJI cited the special medical needs of his elder daughter as the primary reason behind the extended stay.
“We have created an ICU-like setup for our elder daughter. Finding a house in the open market that meets her needs is very difficult. I had requested the government to allot a temporary house on rent until repairs at the allocated house are completed,” Justice Chandrachud said.
He added that their packing is complete, and he is ready to move as soon as the alternative residence is made livable.
Approval and Extensions
As per records, Justice Chandrachud wrote to Justice Khanna on December 18, 2024—just weeks after his retirement—requesting an extension until April 30, 2025. He had been allotted a post-retirement house on Tughlak Road (Bungalow No. 14), but renovation delays caused by restrictions under Delhi’s GRAP-IV pollution control norms postponed his relocation.
Under rules revised in 2022, a retired CJI is permitted to occupy Type VII government housing for up to six months post-retirement. However, Justice Chandrachud remained in a Type VIII bungalow, typically reserved for sitting Chief Justices.
Justice Khanna approved the extension, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs formally granted the request, with official communication dated February 13, 2025.
Administrative Concerns
The Supreme Court administration’s recent letter to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs called for the immediate return of the bungalow to the court’s housing pool. Sources suggest the court is facing a housing crunch, particularly with high-ranking judges needing accommodation.
Justice Chandrachud has since reiterated his commitment to vacating the Krishna Menon Marg bungalow as soon as the government completes repairs on his alternative accommodation.