National News: Former Chief Justice of the country (CJI) Justice DY Chandrachud may have retired from the Supreme Court in November 2024, but even after eight months, he has not vacated his government bungalow in Delhi. Now the Supreme Court administration has formally sought intervention from the central government regarding this matter.
The administration sent a letter to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on July 1, 2025, urging that Bungalow No. 5, located at Krishna Menon Marg, be vacated as soon as possible. This letter also raises important questions related to the dignity of a constitutional post and the use of government resources.
What is the matter?
Justice Dhananjay Yashwant Chandrachud has been the 50th Chief Justice of the country, whose tenure was from 9 November 2022 to 10 November 2024. As per the rules, after retirement, he was allowed to stay in the government accommodation for six months. This period ended on 10 May 2025. In addition, he was given more time till 31 May 2025, which has now expired.
In view of this situation, the Supreme Court administration wrote a letter to the central government and gave clear instructions to ask Chandrachud to vacate the bungalow now so that this property can be allotted to other eligible officers.
What clarification did the former CJI give?
When Hindustan Times contacted Justice Chandrachud on this entire controversy, he clarified his position in a very calm and practical manner. He said,
"I have been allotted a new rented accommodation by the government, but it was lying vacant for a long time, due to which its condition has become dilapidated. At present, repair and renovation work is going on in that house. I had already informed the Supreme Court administration in this regard. As soon as the work is completed, I will immediately move to the new accommodation."
This statement of Chandrachud also shows that he has not deliberately delayed anything, but circumstances have forced him to stay in the current bungalow for some more time.
Compliance to rules and constitutional decorum
Residential rules for people who have held high positions like former CJIs are well-defined. But this case shows that it becomes necessary to strike a balance between administrative flexibility and ground reality regarding compliance of these rules.
It is also important that the current CJI B. R. Gavai and Justice Sanjeev Khanna, who became the senior-most judge of the court after Chandrachud, are currently living in their previously allotted bungalows. In such a situation, the allocation of housing to the new CJI may also be hindered, which may affect the institutional system.
Political and public reaction?
Now discussions have also started on social media regarding this issue. Some sections are calling it 'abuse of privilege', while many people believe that this is a temporary technical delay considering Chandrachud's reputation and sense of accountability.
Is this a dispute or an administrative process?
Although the Supreme Court has clarified the process through its letter, it should not be seen as a confrontation. This is an administrative proceeding in which steps are being taken towards a solution through clear dialogue and understanding.
Justice Chandrachud's name has been included in the most active and public-sensitive benches of the Supreme Court. In such a situation, it is expected that he will soon bring the situation back to normal.
