Will Vacate Official Residence Before Permissible Deadline Under Rules: CJI BR Gavai

Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai on Thursday said he will vacate his official residence before the deadline permitted under the Supreme Court Rules.

The Chief Justice acknowledged his constraints, stating, “Till 24th of November (date of his retirement), I won't find time to find a suitable house. But I can assure you that whatever time is permissible as per the Rules, I'll be shifting before that.”

As per Rule 4 of the Supreme Court Judges Rules, 1959, a judge is entitled to the use of a furnished official residence without payment of rent throughout the term of office and for one month thereafter.

As per Rule 3B of the Rules, a retired Chief Justice shall be entitled to a rent-free Type-VlI accommodation at Delhi (other than the designated official residence) for six months from the date of retirement. The official residence of the CJI is a Type-VIII bungalow, which is of a higher grade.

At a farewell function organised by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) for Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia who is retiring tomorrow, the CJI praised Justice Dhulia for promptly vacating his official residence upon retirement.

“We will always remember his contribution to the judiciary. After retirement, he's going to be in Delhi and he will be one of the judges who will be vacating the house immediately on the next date of his retirement. As a matter of fact, that's a rarity. I wish I would also be in a position to do so,” CJI Gavai said.

Calling Justice Dhulia's conduct an example, CJI Gavai added, “Justice Dhulia has set a good, very good example. I am sure that many of us will emulate him. I can only on this occasion wish him all the best for his future.”

Recently, the Supreme Court administration had written to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs about former CJI DY Chandrachud overstaying in the official bungalow beyond the permissible time after his retiremenet in November last year.

Justice Chandrachud, who retired on November 10, 2024, vacated the bungalow on August 1, 2025, after occupying it for nearly eight months after retirement. He told HT and NDTV that the delay was due to personal circumstances, as he had been looking for a suitable home for his two differently-abled daughters who require special care.