New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of India **D.Y. Chandrachud** has vacated the official CJI residence at **5, Krishna Menon Marg** following a row over extended stay.
Justice Chandrachud, who **retired on November 8, 2024**, had continued living in the official bungalow beyond the allowed period. His extended stay triggered concerns within the **Supreme Court administration**, which later wrote to the **Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)** asking for the property to be vacated.
In response to the controversy, the former CJI clarified that his **luggage was already packed** and he was in the process of moving into a **paid government accommodation**. He said the delay was due to **accessibility needs** of his daughters, **Priyanka and Mahi**, both of whom are **persons with disabilities** and require **wheelchair-friendly facilities**.
Justice Chandrachud had been staying at the bungalow with his **wife Kalpana and two daughters** since his appointment as CJI. He explained that some of their belongings had already been moved to the new house, while some remained in storage.
He also revealed that he had informed his **successor, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna**, about his plan to move back to his earlier residence at **14, Tughlaq Road**. However, Justice Khanna had **requested him to continue** staying at the CJI bungalow, saying he did not intend to move there.
Despite this informal understanding, the **Supreme Court administration** on **July 1** sent a formal letter to the Centre. It stated that Justice Chandrachud’s **permission to retain the residence expired on May 31**, while the **six-month post-retirement grace period** under the **2022 Rules** had ended on **May 10**.
As per **Rule 3B of the Supreme Court Judges (Amendment) Rules, 2022**, a retired CJI can retain a **Type VII bungalow**—one level below the CJI residence—for six months after retirement.
The administration urged the Housing Ministry to **take possession of the bungalow** “without any further delay,” citing procedural norms.
Justice Chandrachud has now vacated the premises, putting an end to the controversy.
