SC Seeks Centre's Reply on Space for 135-Year-Old Library

The Supreme Court of India has sought a detailed response from the Centre regarding the allocation of space for the 135-year-old Central Secretariat Library in the Central Vista redevelopment project. The library, currently housed in the Shastri Bhawan complex, is set to be relocated as part of the project, raising concerns over the fate of its 8.5 lakh books.

The Centre has allocated an area of approximately 5,200 sq. ft., spread across two floors, for the library. However, the library's existing space is 4,144 sq. ft., and it has an additional two lakh books stored in cartons at its storage facility in RK Puram. The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) had asked the library to vacate the premises by September 30 as part of the redevelopment project.

The Supreme Court's intervention comes after a media report raised questions over the historic library's relocation. A bench of Justices Sanjay Kumar and Sanjeev Sachdeva asked the Centre to file an affidavit, providing complete details of the area earmarked for the library, along with the actual layout plans. The affidavit must also clarify whether the allotted space can accommodate the library's 8.5 lakh books, and nearly two lakh books stored in south Delhi's RK Puram.

## Why it matters The Central Secretariat Library is a valuable repository of knowledge, with a collection dating back to 1891. The court's intervention highlights the need to preserve the library's valuable books, paper records, and archival material. The relocation of the library raises concerns over the accessibility and safety of its collection, and the court's decision will have a significant impact on the library's future.

The Centre's response to the court's query will provide clarity on the arrangements made for the library's relocation. The court's emphasis on preserving the library's valuable collection underscores the importance of protecting India's cultural and intellectual heritage. As the Centre prepares to file its affidavit, the fate of the Central Secretariat Library and its 8.5 lakh books remains uncertain, pending the court's decision.