The situation surrounding former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dr. DY Chandrachud and Bungalow No. 5, Krishna Menon Marg has now escalated into a formal administrative matter, with the Supreme Court registry asking the Union Housing Ministry to reclaim the property “without further delay.”
Background:
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Justice DY Chandrachud retired as CJI on November 10, 2024.
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Under the 2022 Supreme Court Judges Rules, a retired Chief Justice is allowed to retain their official accommodation for up to six months after retirement.
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That six-month grace period ended on May 10, 2025.
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He was also given special permission to retain the bungalow until May 31, 2025, which has also lapsed.
Developments:
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On July 1, the Supreme Court administration formally wrote to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, pointing out that Justice Chandrachud has overstayed and that the bungalow must be vacated.
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The bungalow is not a general government accommodation but part of the Supreme Court’s house pool, typically meant for sitting judges or current CJI.
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The letter emphasizes that continued occupation without legal basis is improper and affects judicial housing logistics.
Quote from the letter:
“...Not only the permission that was granted for retention... has expired on 31st May 2025, but also the period of six months provided in Rule 3B of the 2022 Rules has expired on 10th May 2025.”
Legal and Administrative Implications:
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The issue does not yet appear to involve coercive action, but the firm tone of the letter suggests growing institutional impatience.
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While such overstays by former officials are not unheard of in Lutyens' Delhi, this case is significant because it involves a former CJI, and the Supreme Court itself is pressing for eviction.
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The Ministry of Housing is now expected to initiate formal recovery proceedings, possibly involving a notice of possession and coordination with enforcement staff if the matter isn’t resolved amicably.
Broader Context:
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The Modi government and the judiciary have had a tense but constitutionally bound relationship, and this move shows that institutional norms are being enforced across the board, regardless of stature.
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It also reflects increased scrutiny on post-retirement privileges enjoyed by top government functionaries and judges — especially when housing scarcity for serving officials is a pressing issue.
In summary, this is an unusual public moment where the Supreme Court is urging the executive to act against its own former Chief Justice in line with formal rules. How swiftly the bungalow is vacated — and how Justice Chandrachud responds — will be closely watched for its symbolism and precedent.
