The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Union government, demanding a detailed response regarding the proposed relocation of the 135-year-old Central Secretariat Library in Delhi. The historic library, which houses an extensive collection of over 8.5 lakh books, faces uncertainty over its future space allocation within the new Central Vista development plan.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that a Bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar and Sanjeev Sachdeva formally requested the Centre to submit an affidavit. This affidavit is expected to provide comprehensive details about the area designated for the library and its precise layout plan within the new infrastructure.
Library Faces Uncertainty Amidst Redevelopment
The legal proceedings were initiated as a suo motu case, titled ‘In Re: 135-yr-old library, 8.5 lakh books-and no room in the new Central Vista plan’. This underscores the significance of the matter and the court’s attention to the potential displacement of a cultural and historical institution.
Recent media reports had highlighted concerns about the library’s future. For decades, the Central Secretariat Library has occupied four floors of the Shastri Bhawan, a prominent government building. However, reports suggested that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs had initially allocated only two rooms in the Kartavya Bhawan-2 complex, raising alarms about the adequacy of space for its vast collection and operational needs.
Government Assures Space Allocation
In response to the growing concerns and media scrutiny, the Union housing ministry had previously issued a clarification. The ministry stated that space for the Central Secretariat Library has indeed been incorporated into the broader Central Vista redevelopment plan. This assurance, however, did not fully allay fears about the sufficiency and suitability of the proposed location for the venerable institution.
The Central Secretariat Library is one of the oldest and most significant government libraries in India. Established over a century ago, it serves as a vital resource for government officials, researchers, and the public, holding invaluable historical documents, books, and periodicals. Its current location in Shastri Bhawan has facilitated accessibility for many users over the years.
The Central Vista redevelopment project, a large-scale undertaking to modernize the administrative heart of New Delhi, has been a subject of considerable public discourse and legal challenges. While the project aims to create new and improved infrastructure for government functions, questions have been raised about the preservation and integration of existing heritage institutions within the new design.
The Supreme Court’s intervention in this matter highlights the judiciary’s role in safeguarding cultural heritage and ensuring that significant public institutions are not inadvertently marginalized or dismantled during large-scale urban development projects. The court’s demand for a detailed layout plan signifies a desire to ensure transparency and adequate provision for the library’s needs.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati represented the Centre during the proceedings. The court’s directive for a detailed affidavit is a crucial step in understanding the government’s plans and ensuring that the library’s legacy and functionality are preserved. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by those concerned with heritage preservation and the future of public institutions in the national capital.
The Chenab Times News Desk