Supreme Court Asks Ex-Chief Justice Chandrachud to Vacate Official Residence

The Supreme Court administration has written to the Union government requesting the official Chief Justice residence be vacated urgently. The current occupant, former CJI Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, has stayed beyond the allowed period. The communication dated July 1 to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs demands the vacation of Bungalow No. 5 on Krishna Menon Marg in Lutyens’ Delhi, the designated residence for India’s sitting CJI.

Justice Chandrachud, the 50th CJI, has been occupying the Type VIII bungalow for almost eight months after leaving office. He attributed the delay to personal circumstances and stated he had been allotted alternative accommodation by the government on rent.

Rule 3B permits a retired Chief Justice to retain Type VII accommodation for a maximum of six months post-retirement. The Supreme Court administration has pressed for the possession of the residence without further delay.

This formal intervention by the apex court is rare, seeking to reclaim its official residence from a former occupant. Justice Chandrachud assured that the issue would be resolved soon.

According to the source: Mint.