Where Will 8.5 Lakh Books Go? SC Seeks Centre’s Details On Central Secretariat Library Relocation

The Supreme Court on Monday sought a detailed response from the Centre over the proposed relocation of Delhi’s 135-year-old Central Secretariat Library, which houses more than 8.5 lakh books, amid concerns over whether adequate space has been provided for the institution under the new Central Vista redevelopment plan.

A bench of Justices Sanjay Kumar and Sanjeev Sachdeva issued notice to the Centre and directed it to file an affidavit specifying the area proposed to be allotted to the library and furnishing the actual layout plan.

The proceedings followed media reports raising questions about the library’s future after it emerged that no substantial space appeared to have been earmarked for it in the new Central Vista complex. The Supreme Court took up the matter suo motu under the title, “In Re: 135-yr-old library, 8.5 lakh books-and no room in the new Central Vista plan.”

The library, an important repository of books and reference material, has been housed across four floors of Shastri Bhawan since 1969. Its proposed relocation became a concern after the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs was reported to have allotted only two rooms for it in Kartavya Bhawan-2, triggering questions about whether such limited space could accommodate its vast collection and functioning.

The Centre, however, has maintained that the library has not been left out of the redevelopment project. The Union housing ministry clarified that space for the Central Secretariat Library has been provided in the Central Vista redevelopment plan.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati appeared for the Centre during the hearing. The court’s direction now puts the focus on the precise space earmarked for the library and how its books, records and other facilities will be accommodated in the redeveloped government complex.

The case also highlights the larger challenge of balancing Delhi’s ambitious Central Vista redevelopment with the preservation and continued functioning of long-standing public institutions.