All India Bar Association has requested PM Modi to introduce a law providing lifetime government housing for ex-Prime Ministers, Lok Sabha Speakers, and Chief Justices of India. The plea was prompted by the recent housing struggle of ex-CJI Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud.
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NEW DELHI: The All India Bar Association (AIBA) has written a formal letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7th July 2025.
In this letter, they have requested the Government of India to bring a special law that will give lifetime government housing to former Prime Ministers, former Lok Sabha Speakers, and former Chief Justices of India.
This request came after news reports showed how Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who recently retired as the Chief Justice of India, faced problems in getting a proper house in Delhi after retirement.
The government had earlier brought Supreme Court Judges (Amendment) Rules, 2022, which clearly says:
“A retired Chief Justice shall be entitled to a rent-free Type-VII accommodation in Delhi (other than the designated official residence) for a period of six months from the date of retirement.”
Even with this rule, Justice Chandrachud could not find a good private house within those six months. So, he had to ask for extra time to stay in his official house at 5, Krishna Menon Marg, New Delhi. The Government of India accepted his request with kindness and allowed him to stay longer.
But because of this, the next Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, could not move into the official house on time.
After the extended period also, Justice Chandrachud still did not find a suitable alternative home, and the Supreme Court Registry had to ask the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to help vacate the bungalow. Because of this, even Justice B.R. Gavai, the current Chief Justice, could not move into the official residence even 47 days after taking office.
Because of these problems, AIBA has strongly urged the government to bring a new law like the ones that give accommodation to ex-Presidents and ex-Vice Presidents under:
- Section 2(a) of the President’s Emoluments and Pension Act, 1951
- Section 2(a) of the Vice-President’s Pension Act, 1997
The AIBA said that the tenure of Chief Justices is often very short, unlike the fixed five-year term of Prime Ministers and Speakers. They also provided a list of recent CJIs with their short tenures, including:
- Justice S. Rajendra Babu (29 days)
- Justice U.U. Lalit (73 days)
- Justice J.B. Pardiwala (2 years, 100 days)
- Justice D.Y. Chandrachud (2 years, 1 day)
- Justice Vikram Nath (226 days)
- and many others.
In the letter, AIBA highlighted that private homes in Delhi often do not match the standards of dignity, security, and respect needed for such top-level constitutional officers. They explained that the reason behind giving government houses to ex-Presidents and Vice-Presidents is to protect their dignity and India’s global image.
AIBA emphasized that India is moving forward strongly under PM Modi’s leadership. So, it is time to give equal recognition and respect to all three pillars of democracy—Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
In the words of the AIBA:
“As India continues to rise under your dynamic and visionary leadership, it becomes essential that we extend the same recognition and respect to the heads of all three pillars of our democracy – Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.”
Therefore, AIBA made this strong appeal to Prime Minister Modi:
“We earnestly request that your esteemed government consider introducing legislation to ensure life-long government accommodation to former Prime Ministers of India, former Speakers of the Lok Sabha and former Chief Justices of India.”
They concluded with respect and full hope:
“Such a step would not only address practical challenges but also reflect our deep respect for the high constitutional offices that uphold the democratic fabric of our nation.”
“We remain confident that under your visionary leadership, this matter will be given the thoughtful consideration and action it rightly deserves.”
The letter was signed by:
Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala
Senior Advocate
Chairman, All India Bar Association
Former President, Supreme Court Bar Association
READ LETTER HERE
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