Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 6: The Supreme Court administration has formally requested the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to reclaim Bungalow No. 5, Krishna Menon Marg, the designated official residence of the Chief Justice of India, currently still occupied by former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud nearly eight months after his retirement.

In a letter dated July 1, the court cited an urgent need for the bungalow due to accommodation shortages for sitting judges and emphasized that Justice Chandrachud's continued stay violates existing government rules.

According to officials, four sitting judges are yet to be allotted permanent government accommodation. While three are living in temporary Supreme Court transit apartments, one is staying at a state guest house. The bungalow on Krishna Menon Marg—reserved exclusively for the sitting Chief Justice—is crucial in addressing the space crunch, especially with 33 judges currently on the bench, just one short of the sanctioned strength.

Justice Chandrachud, who demitted office on November 10, 2024, was entitled to remain in a Type VIII bungalow during his tenure and a Type VII accommodation rent-free for six months post-retirement, as per the 2022 rules. However, he continued residing in his Type VIII bungalow well beyond the permitted May 10, 2025 deadline.

The former CJI explained his situation, saying, “I am not interested in overstaying, but my daughters have special needs, and I have not been able to find a suitable alternative. I’ve tried service apartments and hotels, but none have worked out.” He added that much of his personal belongings are already packed, and he is prepared to move once renovation work at his temporary government-allotted flat is completed.

Justice Chandrachud also stated that he had written to then Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna on April 28, requesting to stay on until June 30, but did not receive a reply. This was his third extension request. He claimed he had also discussed the matter with current Chief Justice BR Gavai and assured him of a swift move once alternate accommodation was ready.

The Supreme Court’s letter to the ministry highlighted that the initial extension, approved by the ministry, allowed Justice Chandrachud to retain the Krishna Menon Marg residence until April 30, 2025, with a nominal licence fee of Rs 5,430 per month. A subsequent oral request to stay on until May 31 was also approved, but with a firm note that no further extensions would be permitted.

Now that all deadlines have expired, the Supreme Court has officially asked the Centre to take possession of the bungalow without any further delay, reinforcing the need to restore the residence to the official court housing pool.

As the matter unfolds, it highlights the delicate balance between procedural rules, personal circumstances, and administrative urgency at the highest level of the judiciary.