The Supreme Court (SC) on October 5 raised concerns over the space allotted for the proposed relocation of the 135-year-old library currently located in Shastri Bhawan under the Centre’s Central Vista project. The top court directed the Centre to file an affidavit providing “full details of the area which would be allotted for this library along with actual layout plans.” The relocation is proposed in view of the library’s demolition under the Central Vista redevelopment project.
The court further directed that the affidavit should clarify “whether the space would be adequate to store not just the books presently in the CSL in Shastri Bhavan, but also the 2 lakh books lying in cartons in RK Puram.” These books have reportedly remained unopened since 2011.
The two-judge bench comprised Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva.
‘In Re: 135-Yr-Old Library 8.5 Lakh Books- And No Room In The New Central Vista Plan’
The Supreme Court registered a suo motu case on October 3 after a media report raised concerns about the space proposed for the Central Secretariat Library (CSL), which houses around 8.5 lakh books and is proposed to be relocated.
The case was titled “In Re: 135-Yr-Old Library 8.5 Lakh Books- And No Room In The New Central Vista Plan”. The title reflects the media report titled “135-yr-old library, 8.5 lakh books - and no room in the new Central Vista plan,” published on September 29.
What The Report Said
The report stated that the 135-year-old library in Shastri Bhawan could be relocated as the building has been proposed for demolition under the Central Vista redevelopment plan. It also highlighted concerns over the availability of adequate space at the proposed new location and the preservation of the library’s extensive collection.
Only Two Rooms Allotted, Says SC
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre on Monday, said that space for the library has been allotted under the Central Vista plan.
Justice Kumar observed that only two rooms had been allotted for the library’s proposed relocation.
“If we go by the news report, this library dates back to 1891. Very well to say that we should cut down on paper but that doesn’t mean you don’t take care of the valuable papers. You are allotting only 2 rooms in the Kartavya Bhavan, that’s it?
ASG Bhati responded that the Central Vista Director was present in court to provide an explanation. Justice Kumar, however, reiterated the requirement for the Centre to file an affidavit with the relevant details.
The apex court said the matter would be taken up for hearing after the Centre files the affidavit.
ALSO READ| France Student Protests: Up To 500 Schools To Shut As Education Unrest Continues
ALSO READ| UP Digital Libraries: 57,600 Gram Panchayats To Get Digital Learning Access, Says CM Yogi
