New Delhi, July 6(OT Webdesk): In an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court of India has formally requested the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to immediately repossess Bungalow No. 5 on Krishna Menon Marg, the designated residence for the incumbent Chief Justice of India (CJI), currently occupied by former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud.
Justice Chandrachud, who demitted office in November 2024 after serving as the 50th CJI, continues to reside in the Type VIII bungalow despite the lapse of the six-month permissible post-retirement stay granted under Rule 3B of the Supreme Court Judges (Amendment) Rules, 2022.
While his official extension ended on May 10, an informal extension reportedly allowed him to stay until May 31.
Responding to the apex court’s July 1 directive, the former Chief Justice cited personal challenges—particularly the ongoing treatment of his two daughters for nemaline myopathy at AIIMS—as key reasons for the delayed move. He also noted that his newly allotted accommodation, lying unused for years, is currently under renovation.
Justice Chandrachud has assured the judiciary of his intent to vacate the premises “within a few days,” once the alternate residence is ready.
The SC administration underscored the urgency of repossession, stating that no further extensions will be entertained, especially with sitting judges awaiting housing allocation.
Although post-retirement extensions for former justices are not uncommon, this formal intervention by the Supreme Court signals a rare break from protocol, one that underscores the increasing pressure on institutional housing availability for serving judges.
