Former CJI DY Chandrachud cites critical medical setup for his daughter as reason for delayed bungalow vacation. Responds to SC’s urgent request for “immediate” return of official residence.
New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud has responded to the Supreme Court administration’s letter addressed to the Central Government, asking for the immediate vacating of the official residence meant for the sitting Chief Justice.
The letter reportedly urged that the house be returned to the Supreme Court’s housing pool without delay. Justice Chandrachud retired in November 2023, but continues to reside in Bungalow No. 5 on Krishna Menon Marg in Lutyens’ Delhi, even after eight months of demitting office.
The bungalow is officially allotted to the current Chief Justice of India by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
However, since Justice Chandrachud’s retirement, the residence has not yet been vacated, raising concerns within the court’s administration.
Sources told the media that the court administration has now officially requested the Union Government to ensure the property is vacated at the earliest.
The letter reportedly stated that the
“immediate vacation” of the bungalow is necessary and that it should be “returned to the court’s housing pool.”
In response to the letter and media coverage surrounding the issue, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud issued a statement clarifying his position.
He said,
“The process of vacating the bungalow is already underway, and I have communicated the same to the Supreme Court administration.”
The former Chief Justice explained that he has been following due procedure and is in the process of shifting from the premises.
He further added,
“The shifting has already begun and I expect to vacate the bungalow soon.”
Justice Chandrachud’s statement appears to address concerns raised over the prolonged stay in the official residence after his retirement.
As per established norms, the official residence of the sitting Chief Justice is meant to be vacated soon after retirement to allow for the incoming CJI to move in or for appropriate reallocation as per the housing pool’s policy.
The current situation has drawn attention due to the unusually long duration of post-retirement stay, which has led to the top court administration taking the rare step of formally writing to the government.
The court’s administrative wing is reportedly keen to maintain proper allocation and turnover of judicial housing in Lutyens’ Delhi, especially for key positions like that of the CJI.
A source said,
“It is important that the official residences meant for sitting judges and Chief Justices are made available for new occupants as per the court’s requirements.”
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