Supreme Court Seeks Relocation Plan for Central Secretariat Library in Delhi
The Supreme Court on Monday, October 5, 2026, sought a detailed affidavit from the Union government regarding the proposed relocation of the 135-year-old Central Secretariat Library from the Shastri Bhawan complex in Delhi. A Bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar and Sanjeev Sachdeva directed the Centre to present space details, layout plans, and preservation measures for the library's collection of over 8.5 lakh books under the Central Vista redevelopment project.
The court intervened suo motu after reports indicated that the library had been directed on September 17 to vacate Shastri Bhawan by September 30. The Central Public Works Department had instructed the library and other offices within the complex to clear out furniture and electronic equipment ahead of planned demolition and reconstruction.
During the proceedings, the Bench emphasized the historical value of the institution, noting that it dates back to 1891 and houses writings from 1702. The court raised concerns over reports that only two rooms in Kartavya Bhavan were being allocated, questioning how valuable archival papers and historical records would be preserved if space was drastically reduced.
The judges also highlighted that the relocated facility must accommodate the entire repository. This includes more than two lakh books from the regional languages section, which have remained packed in boxes at an office complex in R.K. Puram for nearly 15 years after being moved during Delhi Metro construction work.
Appearing for the Union government, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati submitted that a notice was unnecessary because instructions had been taken to allocate an area of approximately 5,200 square feet across two floors, compared to the current 4,144 square feet. However, the Bench insisted on a formal undertaking via affidavit, noting that amenities like conference rooms would drastically shrink the space left for storing books.
Ms. Bhati agreed to submit the comprehensive affidavit and layout plans within three weeks. The Supreme Court appointed senior advocate Haripriya Padmanabhan as amicus curiae to assist with the matter and scheduled the next hearing for November 16.
