SC Intervenes: Future of 135-Year-Old Central Secretariat Library at Stake!
SC Intervenes: Future of 135-Year-Old Central Secretariat Library at Stake!
Supreme Court demands detailed plan from Centre on relocating Delhi's historic library amid Central Vista concerns. Over 8.5 lakh books and rare archives need adequate space. #CentralVista #LibraryRelocation
The Supreme Court has stepped in to seek crucial details from the Union government regarding the proposed relocation of the 135-year-old Central Secretariat Library in Delhi. This historic institution, home to over 8.5 lakh books, some dating back to 1702, is slated for relocation as part of the ambitious Central Vista redevelopment project.
A Bench of Justices Sanjay Kumar and Sanjeev Sachdeva directed Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati to file a detailed affidavit within three weeks. The court's intervention comes amidst reports that the library, currently housed in the Shastri Bhawan complex, was given a September 30 deadline to vacate its premises.
The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) had instructed the library to remove all furniture and electronic equipment ahead of demolition and reconstruction work.
The Bench expressed significant concern over the arrangements being made, particularly the proposed space. They remarked,
It's fine to say we should cut down on paper, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take care of the valuable papers you already have. You are allotting two rooms in that Kartavya Bhavan, that's it?
The judges emphasized the critical need to preserve the library's invaluable books, paper records, and archival material.
Furthermore, the court highlighted that the new space must accommodate the library's entire collection, including approximately two lakh regional language books that have remained packed in boxes at an R.K. Puram office complex for nearly 15 years, a result of an earlier shift during Delhi Metro construction.
Ms. Bhati informed the Bench that an area of approximately 5,200 sq. ft., spread across two floors, was being planned for the library, which is slightly more than its existing 4,144 sq. ft. However, the Bench insisted on a proper affidavit detailing the complete layout plans, specifically asking for the actual storage area available for books after accounting for conference rooms and other amenities.
If you are having conference rooms and what not, [tell us] the actual storage areas for these books,
the Bench demanded.
Ms. Bhati agreed to furnish the detailed affidavit. The court also appointed senior advocate Haripriya Padmanabhan as amicus curiae to assist in the matter, scheduling the next hearing for November 16. The Central Secretariat Library, established in 1891 as the Imperial Secretariat Library in Calcutta, has a rich history of relocations, eventually settling in Shastri Bhawan in 1969.
Its extensive collection is a vital resource for government officials and students alike. The court's scrutiny underscores the importance of safeguarding this national treasure during urban redevelopment.
