
Sun Jul 06 14:49:54 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:
**Summary:**
Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, who retired in November 2024, is addressing media reports that the Supreme Court administration is urging the government to reclaim his official residence. Justice Chandrachud clarifies that he never intended to stay indefinitely and had offered to move back to his previous transit accommodation. However, he requested an extension due to the challenges of finding suitable accommodation for his two daughters with special needs, who require wheelchair accessibility. The government has allotted him alternative accommodation, but it’s undergoing repairs. Justice Chandrachud expressed surprise that the difficulties faced by individuals with disabilities and the elderly are often overlooked. He emphasizes the need for a reasonable timeframe to find appropriate housing and explore post-retirement professional opportunities.
**News Article:**
**Former CJI Chandrachud Addresses Residence Issue, Cites Needs of Daughters with Disabilities**
**New Delhi, July 6, 2025** – Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud has responded to reports that the Supreme Court administration is seeking the immediate return of his official residence at 5, Krishna Menon Marg. In an interview with The Hindu, Justice Chandrachud, who retired in November 2024, stated that he never intended to overstay his welcome but requested an extension due to the challenges of finding suitable housing for his two daughters, who both have disabilities.
Justice Chandrachud explained that his daughters, Priyanka and Mahi, suffer from nemaline myopathy and require wheelchair accessibility, which makes finding appropriate accommodation difficult. He highlighted the lack of accessible housing options in Delhi, stating that many modern flats do not have doorways wide enough for wheelchairs.
“Our real challenge is we have two children who have special needs,” Justice Chandrachud said. “Even to enter the bathroom, we need doorways wide enough to accommodate their wheelchairs… I am surprised that people do not think of these things.”
The government has allotted Justice Chandrachud alternative accommodation at Teen Murti Marg, but the property requires repairs. While the repairs are underway, he has explored temporary options such as serviced accommodations and hotels, but these have also presented accessibility challenges.
Justice Chandrachud also addressed concerns about the propriety of extending accommodations to retired CJIs, stating that it should not be viewed as a “big favor.” He pointed out that there have been precedents of retired judges extending their stay in official bungalows and emphasized the need for a reasonable transition period after retirement.
“I just want now to have some breathing space to find out what my paying capacity to find a rental accommodation really is,” Justice Chandrachud said, noting that he is an outsider to Delhi and needs time to assess his post-retirement professional opportunities and financial capacity.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in finding accessible housing and raises questions about the support provided to former high-ranking officials during their transition to post-retirement life.