India's Supreme Court is set to hear a crucial case on Monday, October 5, concerning the future of the 135-year-old Central Secretariat Library. The institution's relocation is intertwined with the ongoing Central Vista redevelopment project in New Delhi.
A Historic Institution in Jeopardy
The Central Secretariat Library, established in 1891, stands as the nation's second-largest government library, surpassed only by the National Library in Kolkata. Its extensive collection boasts over 8.5 lakh books, including rare manuscripts and official records, with the oldest item being a 1702 compilation by a French traveler. Spanning nearly 5,500 square meters across four floors, the library serves a vital role for government officials, researchers, and students preparing for competitive examinations.
Initially known as the Imperial Secretariat Library, it moved to Delhi in 1911 when the capital shifted from Calcutta. After being housed in the Old Secretariat Building and later North Block, it found its home in Shastri Bhawan in 1969.
The Central Vista Redevelopment Challenge
The core issue stems from the planned demolition of Shastri Bhawan as part of the ambitious Central Vista redevelopment. In September 2026, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) directed all ministries and departments within Shastri Bhawan to vacate the building by the end of the month to facilitate construction work.
The government had been seeking a new location for the library, which is run by the Ministry of Culture. However, a proposed solution in January, offering two rooms totaling 300 square meters at Kartavya Bhawan-2 by the Directorate of Estates (under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs), was rejected by the Ministry of Culture, deeming the space inadequate for its vast collection and operational needs.
Supreme Court Intervention
The case, registered as “In Re: 135-Yr-Old Library 8.5 Lakh Books– And No Room In The New Central Vista Plan,” will be heard by a bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar and Sanjeev Sachdeva. While the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has stated on X (formerly Twitter) that space for the library has been provided and the construction process is underway, the Ministry of Culture's rejection of the allotted space highlights the ongoing dispute.
The Supreme Court's hearing is expected to address the concerns regarding the preservation of this significant cultural and academic resource amidst the large-scale urban development project.