SC to hear suo motu case over relocation of 135-year-old Central Secretariat Library

The Supreme Court's decision to take up a suo motu case reflects growing concern over the fate of the Central Secretariat Library, an institution that has served government officials and researchers for more than a century. Built during the British era, the library houses rare books, archival records and a collection of government documents that are essential for policy research and historical study. Its location inside the Shastri Bhawan complex places it at the heart of the capital's administrative district, making any disruption highly visible.

The petition was filed after the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs issued an order on September 17 directing the library to vacate the premises to make way for the Central Vista redevelopment project. The redevelopment aims to redesign the area surrounding India Gate, create new office spaces and improve public amenities, but critics argue that it threatens heritage structures and displaces functional spaces. Legal experts note that the Supreme Court has previously intervened in cases where heritage buildings faced demolition, emphasizing the need to balance development with preservation of public assets.

For readers across India, the case underscores the tension between rapid urban modernization and the protection of historical resources that support governance and scholarship. If the library is moved without adequate provisions, scholars could lose easy access to primary sources, and the government could face challenges in maintaining continuity of records. The outcome may set a precedent for how other historic public institutions are treated in future infrastructure projects.