Former CJI DY Chandrachud cites daughters’ rare illness and need for ICU-like care at home as reason for delay in vacating official bungalow. Says he’s aware of public responsibility and will move once new house is ready.
New Delhi: Today, on July 7, Former Chief Justice of India, Justice DY Chandrachud, who retired in November last year, is once again in the news. The Supreme Court recently asked the Central Government to make sure that Justice Chandrachud vacates his official residence without further delay.
Soon after this development, some people on social media began trolling him with terms like “taxpayers’ money” and “fall from grace.”
In response, Justice Chandrachud explained that the delay in moving out was not intentional. He revealed that the main reason behind his extended stay was the special medical and personal care needed for his foster daughters, Priyanka and Mahi, who suffer from a rare condition.
He clarified that he is fully aware of his responsibilities and has no intention to misuse government facilities.
He stated,
“I was aware of my public responsibilities and had no intention to hold on to the government accommodation.”
In an exclusive interview with media, Justice Chandrachud shared personal details about his daughters and the struggles his family faces.
He spoke about how much happiness Priyanka and Mahi have brought into the lives of him and his wife, Kalpana Das, and the level of attention their medical condition requires daily.
He explained,
“Priyanka and Mahi have a rare genetic disorder called nemaline myopathy which affects the skeletal muscles. This disorder has no treatment or cure anywhere in the world presently, though research is going on in India and abroad.”
He further noted,
“Nemaline myopathy causes degeneration of the muscles and motor skills. It severely affects the respiratory system, causes severe scoliosis and issues relating to swallowing, breathing and speech and compromises all organs.”
He shared,
“Priyanka and Mahi need a variety of exercises every day, ranging from respiratory to neurological to occupational therapy and pain management.”
He added,
“This home, including bathrooms, has been modified for their condition,”
stressing that simply moving to any new house is not an option due to the complex needs of his daughters.
The former Chief Justice stated that the government had allotted him a temporary house on rent, but that property had remained unused for two years and is currently being renovated.
Most of his household items are already packed, and he assured that he would move out as soon as the new house is ready.
He elaborated,
“Care has to be taken that they do not suffer from fatigue as it deteriorates the muscles further. For them to have a dignified life, a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including pulmonologists, ICU specialists, neurologists, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists and counsellors work together on a daily or weekly basis.”
He highlighted the seriousness of Priyanka’s condition and said,
“Priyanka has been on respiratory support since December 2021 and has a tracheostomy tube connected to a BiPAP machine. She was ventilated three times at the age of thirteen at PGI Chandigarh. The tube has to be changed several times a month and sometimes, a couple of times a week. An ICU setting has been created at home… Priyanka is susceptible to infections and has to be protected against dust, allergies and infections.”
He expressed his family’s dedication by saying,
“For us parents, the world revolves around their well-being. Kalpana has striven to establish contacts with specialists, scientists and caregivers worldwide. She is actively following the current research in an effort to find a cure. As parents, we avoid travelling together without the children. As parents, we try to make their lives meaningful, fun and create an atmosphere where they lead a fulfilling life.”
He also mentioned their academic and creative pursuits:
“The children are very good at chess. They were undergoing education at the Sanskriti School in Delhi, but unfortunately, could not continue. They continue to have home-schooling. Every aspect of their day-to-day activities is carefully looked after by Kalpana. We do not socialise and prefer to spend free time at home with the children.”
Adding a lighter touch, he shared,
“The children are pet parents to 11 cats. Mahi has a special link with animals and birds. Both Priyanka and Mahi are active and lead an ethical life. They lead us to adopting a vegan lifestyle.”
Apart from Priyanka and Mahi, Justice Chandrachud also has two sons — Abhinav and Chintan Chandrachud — who are lawyers.
On the issue of vacating the official bungalow, he said he had kept the Supreme Court’s administrative wing informed of his efforts and even explored renting a house temporarily. However, he noted that no landlord was willing to lease a property for such a short duration.
He pointed out,
“Justice UU Lalit, who retired as CJI, was given a house after his retirement at the Safdarjung Road and Justice NV Ramana was given a house at Tughlaq Road after his retirement.”
He added,
“Several other judges were also granted an extension because of personal issues.”
Justice Chandrachud’s explanation has revealed a deeply personal and emotional side of his life, providing important context to the ongoing conversation about his continued stay in the government residence.
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