SC Takes Suo Moto Note of Proposed Relocation of 135-Year-Old Central Secretariat Library
The court will examine whether the 135-year-old library’s rare collection can be preserved after reports said only two rooms were allotted.
- On Monday, the Supreme Court will hear a suo motu case regarding the 135-year-old Central Secretariat Library, addressing concerns that no adequate space was allocated for its 8.5 lakh books in the Central Vista Plan.
- Uncertainty arose after The Indian Express reported on Wednesday that the library, currently occupying four floors in Shastri Bhawan, faced relocation to only two rooms in the Kartavya Bhawan-2 complex under the Central Vista project.
- The Union Ministry refuted these claims, writing, "Contrary to a few reports, it is clarified that space for the Central Secretariat Library has been provided for in the Kartavya Path redevelopment plan." Construction is underway.
- Registered on October 3, the case titled "In Re: 135-Yr-Old Library 8.5 Lakh Books– And No Room In The New Central Vista Plan" will be heard by Justices Sanjay Kumar and Sanjeev Sachdeva.
- Established in 1891 as the Imperial Secretariat Library, the collection now contains 8.5 lakh rare books and government records, prompting experts to stress that relocation requires stringent preservation measures including temperature control and documentation.
15 Articles
15 Articles
SC takes suo moto note of proposed relocation of 135-year-old Central Secretariat Library
The Supreme Court is set to hear a case regarding the relocation of the Central Secretariat Library. This library, which houses over 8.5 lakh books, is facing relocation uncertainty. Recent media reports have highlighted the absence of allocated space in the new Central Vista Plan. The Union housing ministry has stated that space for the library has indeed been provided.
8.5 lakh books, 135 years of history: Supreme Court to hear case on relocation of Central Secretariat Library on Monday
Concerns have reportedly been raised about the availability of suitable accommodation for the 135-year-old library and the preservation of its extensive collection.
The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the future of the 135-year-old Central Secretariat Library located in Shastri Bhavan. Questions have arisen regarding the library's relocation amid the redevelopment of Shastri Bhavan. The Supreme Court will hear the matter on Monday.
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