Former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud to vacate official residence amidst controversy

Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud announced on Monday that he, along with his family, will soon vacate the official residence at 5, Krishna Menon Marg, following a recent controversy surrounding his extended stay. Justice Chandrachud, who superannuated on November 8, 2024, clarified that his luggage is already packed, and they are awaiting the readiness of a new paid government accommodation.

The Supreme Court administration had recently communicated with the Centre, urging the vacation of the bungalow, citing that Justice Chandrachud had stayed beyond the permissible period as per rules. Justice Chandrachud, his wife Kalpana, and their two daughters, Priyanka and Mahi, who both have Nemaline myopathy – a rare genetic disorder requiring a wheelchair-friendly and highly hygienic environment – were residing at the CJI's designated residence. The former CJI expressed his distress over the controversy, emphasizing the complex medical needs of his daughters as the primary reason for the delay in relocation.

Justice Chandrachud also highlighted that similar extensions have been granted to other former CJIs and top court judges in the past due to personal exigencies. He recounted that after his retirement, his successor, then-CJI Sanjiv Khanna, had initially asked him to continue staying in the CJI bungalow as the latter did not wish to occupy it. The former CJI stated that the new allotted accommodation was undergoing renovation after being shut for two years, and the move would occur "as soon as they tell me that the house is ready for occupation."