New Delhi: The central secretariat library relocation issue has reached the Supreme Court of India. The Court has taken suo motu cognisance of concerns related to the proposed shifting of the historic 135-year-old Central Secretariat Library (CSL) from Shastri Bhawan in New Delhi as part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.
Based on information placed before the Court, a Bench of Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar and Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva has sought a detailed plan from the Central Government regarding the proposed relocation. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on October 5.
Why Has The Supreme Court Taken Up The Central Secretariat Library Relocation Matter
The Supreme Court initiated the case on its own after concerns were raised regarding the future of the Central Secretariat Library, one of India’s oldest and most important government libraries.
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The Court expressed concern about whether the proposed new location would be adequate to accommodate the library’s vast collection, reading facilities, archives, and administrative functions. The judges noted that preserving valuable books, historical records, and government publications is a matter of public importance.
Central Secretariat Library Relocation: What Did The Supreme Court Direct
The Court issued notice to the Central Government and directed it to submit a detailed affidavit within three weeks.
Information Sought By The Court
The affidavit must include:
- The complete relocation plan.
- The total area proposed for the library.
- The layout of the new premises.
- Details of storage arrangements.
- Information on whether the new space can accommodate the entire collection.
The Court made it clear that the government must provide sufficient details before any major relocation decision is implemented.
Senior Advocate Appointed As Amicus Curiae
To assist in the matter, the Supreme Court appointed Senior Advocate Haripriya Padmanabhan as amicus curiae.
An amicus curiae is an independent legal expert appointed by a court to assist in understanding complex issues and ensuring that all relevant facts are properly presented.
The Court said expert assistance would help it evaluate whether the proposed relocation protects the library’s heritage and resources.
What Is The Central Secretariat Library
The Central Secretariat Library functions under the Union Ministry of Culture. It was originally established in 1891 as the Imperial Secretariat Library in Calcutta (now Kolkata).
After the national capital shifted to Delhi in 1911, the library was gradually moved to Delhi..Since 1969, it has been operating from Shastri Bhawan.
One Of India’s Largest Government Libraries
According to official information, the Central Secretariat Library is the second-largest Central Government library after the National Library in Kolkata. The library houses:
- More than 8.5 lakh books.
- Government publications.
- Rare documents.
- Official records.
- Gazettes and reference materials.
It serves government officials, researchers, academics, and policy experts.
Why Is The Library Being Relocated
The proposed relocation is linked to the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. Shastri Bhawan is slated for demolition under the redevelopment plan. As a result, the government has been exploring alternative accommodation for the library and its extensive collection.
Concerns Over Available Space
The issue gained attention after reports suggested that only a limited area was being considered for relocation.
Court records indicate that the Culture Ministry had initially sought around 5,466 square metres for the library in the redeveloped Central Secretariat complex. However, a proposal reportedly offered around 300 square metres in Kartavya Bhawan-2.
The Ministry later communicated that such a space would not be sufficient to house the library’s books, archives, and facilities.
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FAQs
The Court acted on concerns regarding the proposed relocation of the library and whether the new location would provide adequate space for its valuable collection and services.
The Central Secretariat Library is a government library under the Ministry of Culture. Established in 1891, it houses more than 8.5 lakh books, government publications, official records, and rare documents.
The Supreme Court has directed the Central Government to submit a detailed affidavit explaining the relocation plan, proposed space, layout, and arrangements for housing the library’s entire collection.
