Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud clarified that his continued stay at the official CJI residence at 5 Krishna Menon Marg is temporary. Media reports had raised concerns, but Justice Chandrachud explained the extension was due to his daughters’ special needs and lack of accessible housing in Delhi.
Temporary Stay With Consent
Justice Chandrachud had offered to move back to his old transit flat after retirement in November 2024, but successors Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Gavai requested he continue at the residence due to their short tenures. The stay was officially allowed till April 30, 2025.
Special Needs and Accessibility Challenges
The family struggled to find suitable housing for their daughters, Priyanka and Mahi, who live with a rare disorder requiring wheelchair-accessible facilities. Options like hotels and rentals didn’t meet these needs. The daughters also receive treatment at AIIMS and recently required a home ICU after a medical emergency.
New Government-Allotted Home
The government allotted him a new house at Teen Murti Marg, undergoing repairs. He is expected to move in mid-July. He emphasized this is not an indefinite extension and the family is packed and ready.
Judicial Norms and Humanity
He noted Rule 3B of the Supreme Court guidelines allows six months’ post-retirement stay, and similar past precedents exist. Justice Chandrachud emphasized that such support should not be seen as a privilege but a humane consideration for someone who served the nation for decades.
“We’re not here to stay endlessly,” he said, urging for empathy when special needs are involved.